HISTORY 


Santo  Creek  §ajfot  graafian* 


A 

HISTORY 

OF    THE 

Sfoitlnj  Creek  gagiiat  ^ssoriatioit, 

FROM    ITS 

ORGANIZATION  IN  A.  D.  17«S,  TO  A.  D.  1858, 

BY 

ELDER    GEO.    W.    PUREFOY, 

BEING   AN 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CENTENARY   SERMON    DELIVERED  BY  HIM 
AT  ITS  ONE  HUNDREDTH  ANNUAL  SESSION, 

AT 

LOVE'S  CREEK  MEETING-HOUSE,  CHATHAM  COUNTY,  N,  C, 

ON    THE 

3d  DAY  OF  OCTOBER,  1858. 

"From  the  days  of  John  the  Baptist  until  now." — Matt.  si.  12. 

"  The  Baptists  may  be  considered  as  the  only  Christian  community  which 
has  stood  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles." — Drs.  Demount  and  Ype  ig. 


-^^-»^^.  >  *  49»— 


U  t  b  •  H  a  x  h : 

SHELDON     &     CO.,     PUBLISHEES, 
No.     115     NASSAU-STREET. 

1859. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859, 

By  SHELDON  &  CO., 

n  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New-York. 


TABLE   OF  CONTEXTS. 


CHAPTER     I. 

A  Concise  View  of  the  Origin  of  the  Baptists pp.  9  3 1 

CHAPTER    II. 

The  Origin  of  the  Baptists  in  the  United  States— Roger  Williams 
not  their  Founder. 32-4 

CHAPTER     III. 

Some  Account  of  the  First  Baptists  that  Settled  in  North  Carolina. . .  42-44 

CHAPTER    IV. 

The  First  Settlement  of  Baptists  in  the  Bounds  of  the  Sandy  Creek 
Baptist  Association 45-47 

CHAPTER     V. 

The  Regular  Baptists,  comprising  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association, 
together  with  the  Great  Body  of  Baptists  in  the  United  States, 
shown  to  be  the  "Old  School"  or  "Primitive  Baptists."  They 
are  not  Seceders  from  the  Anti-mission  Baptists,  or  from  any 
other  Denomination; 48-Gl 

CHAPTER     VI. 
The  Organization  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association 62-73 

CHAPTER     VII. 

History  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association,  as  derived  from  the 
Minutes  of  that  Body,  in  which  is  shown  for  each  Year,  by  whom 
the  Introductory  Sermon  was  preached;  who  acted  as  Moderator 
and  Clerk ;  who  preached  on  Sabbath  ;  the  Xames  of  Correspond- 
ing Messengers  to  and  from  the  Association ;  the  Number  baptized  ; 
the  Total  in  Fellowship ;  'and,  also,  the  Queries,  with  their  Answers, 
Resolutions,  &c 74-265 


Sf3  9 


b  TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER     VIII. 

A  Concise  History  of  the  Churches  belonging  to  the  Sandy  Creek  Asso 
ciation :  Mount  Carmel,  266  ;  Reave's  Chapel,  268  ;  Antioch,  2G8  ;  Mount 
Gilead,  2C9 ;  Moon's  Chapel,  270 ;  Cedar  Falls,  270 ;  May's  Chapel, 
271 ;  Crane's  Creek,  272 ;  Fayetteville,  272  ;  Cool  Spring,  273  ;  Bear 
Creek,  274;  Mineral  Spring,  276;  Emmaus,  277;  Fall  Creek,  279; 
Friendship,  280 ;  Carthage,  280  ;  Bethlehem,  281 ;  Mechanic's  Hill,  281 ; 
Juniper  Spring,  282 ;  Gum  Spring,  283 ;  Mount  Olive,  284 ;  Chapel- 
Hill,  285  ;  Mount  Zion,  286 ;  Rocky  River,  286 ;  Pleasant  Grove, 
287  ;    Sandy  Creek,   288  ;  Lystra,  289  ;  Pittsborough,  289. 

CHAPTER     IX. 

Biographical  Sketches  :  Elder  ShubailStearns,  291 ;  Daniel  Marshal,  294  ; 
Elder  Elnathan  Davis,  297;  Elder  George  Pope,  297;  Elder  Isaao 
Hicks,  298  ;  Elder  Thomas  Brown,  298 ;  Elder  Robert  Thomas  Daniel, 
299 ;  William  T.  Brantly,  D.  D.,  304 ;  Elder  William  H.  Merritt,  320  ; 
Elder  Eh  Phillips,  323 ;  Elder  Hezekiah  Harman,  325 :  Elder  John 
Culpeper,  326  ;  Elder  Ralph  Freeman,  328. 


QEf  9 


A  HISTORY 


» 


antijj  feek  §;mti$t  ^ssorintioiu 


CHAPTER    I. 

A  CONCISE  VIEW  OF  THE  ORIGIN  OF  THE  BAPTISTS. 

The  origin  of  the  Baptists  will  be  more  clearly  ascer- 
tained by  first '  showing  what  constitutes  a  properly  or- 
ganized church  of  Christ. 

The  peculiar  organization  set  up  by  Christ  and  the 
apostles  is  known  in  the  Scriptures  by  the  appellations 
of  "  a  kingdom,"  "  church,"  and  "  churches." 

1.  By  the  "kingdom  of  God,"  and  "kingdom  of 
heaven,"  as  applied  to  the  gospel  organization,  is  meant 
the  institution  of  Christianity,  as  established  by  Christ. 
All  that  are  truly  regenerated  are  in  the  invisible  king- 
dom. Only  true  believers  that  have  been  baptized  belong 
to  the  visible  kingdom.  The  invisible  kingdom  is  merely 
an  ideal  assembly,  but  the  visible  kingdom  is  a  thing  that 
has  a  visible  existence,  and  was  set  up  as  such  by  Christ 
and  his  apostles. 

'  2   - 


10  A    HISTORY    OF     THE 

2.  When  the  word  church  is  used  in  a  more  extended 
view  than  merely  to  express  a  local  assembly  of  believers, 
it  is  used  as  the  general  title  of  the  Christian  institution. 
See  Matt.  xvi.  18. 

3.  The  church  is  a  local  assembly  to  execute  the  laws 
which  Christ  has  given.  The  churches  are  the  executive 
department  of  "the  kingdom  of  God." 

They  have  no  divine  right  to  make  even  one  law  for 
their  government,  or  to  submit  to  any  that  may  be  made 
by  any  ecclesiastical  body,  whether  it  be  called  a  council, 
annual  or  general  conference,  a  session,  presbytery,  synod, 
general  assembly,  association,  &c. 

The  churches  of  Christ  are  to  "  keep  his  command- 
ments," not  alter,  amend,  or  make  new  ones. 

4.  A  scripturally  organized  church  of  Christ  is  an 
assembly  of  those  who  have  repented,  believed  on  Christ, 
and  have  been  baptized  ;  meeting  together  in  one  place  for 
divine  worship,  and  to  observe  all  things  that  Christ  the 
lawgiver  on  Zion  has  commanded.  Every  such  local 
assembly  is  a  church  of  Christ.  This  is  evident  from  the 
great  commission.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20  :  and  Mark  xvi. 
15,  16. 

1.  Those  who  are  taught,  and  believe,  are  to  be  bap- 
tized. 

2.  They  are  to  observe  all  things  that  Christ  had  com- 
manded. 

See,  also,  the  full  development  of  a  gospel  church  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost.     Acts  ii.  37,  38,  41,  43,  44. 

1.  There  was  a  tremendous  awakening  under  the 
preaching  of  Peter. 

2.  They  that  "gladly  received  his  word  were  bap- 
tized." 

3.  They  were  thereby  "  added  to  the   church;"    v.  14. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  11 

4.  "  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostle's  doc- 
trine and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread  and  in 
prayers ;"  v.  42. 

5.  "  And  all  that  believed  were  together  ;"  v.  44. 
Here  we  are  clearly  taught  that  an  assembly  of  baptized 

believers,   continuing  steadfastly  in    the  doctrines  of  the 
apostles,  &c.,  is  a  church  of  Christ. 

A  church  of  Christ  is  a  local  and  independent  assembly. 
Each  church  is  a  separate  organization,  and  is  a  full  and 
complete  church  in  its  government  and  discipline,  and  is 
independent  of  all  other  churches  and  ecclesiastical  bodies 
whatever ;  hence  we  read  in  the  New  Testament  of  the 
churches  as  local  institutions,  "  the  church  at  Jerusalem," 
"  the  church  at  Antioch,"  "  the  church  in  Ephesus,"  "  the 
church  of  God  in  Corinth."  "  In  every  church,"  "greet 
the  church  that  is  in  their  house,"  "  salute  the  church 
which  is  in  Nympha's  house."  For  the  last  three  quota- 
tions, see  Acts  xiv.  23  ;  Bom.  xvi.  5  ;  Col.  iv.  15.  All 
these  quotations  prove  that  a  church  is  a  local  assembly  ; 
the  last  two  expressly  state  that  they  met  in  a  house,  and 
consequently  must  have  been  local  assemblies. 

There  was  then  no  great  hierarchy  or  consolidated 
church  like  "  the  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States," 
"  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States,"  "  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States,"  "  the 
Methodist  Protestant  Church  of  the  United  States,''  &c. 
But  we  read  of  "  the  churches  [not  church]  throughout 
all  Judea,  and  Galilee,  and  Samaria."  Acts  ix.  31. 
"The  churches  of  Macedonia."  2.  Cor.  viii.  1.  "The 
churches  of  Galatia."  Gal.  i.  2.  "  The  churches  of 
Asia."     1.  Cor.  xvi.  19. 

In  like  manner,  when  we  speak  of  Baptists,  we  say,  not 
the  Baptist  church  of  England,  or  the  United  States,  but 


12  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

"  the  Baptist  churches"  of  England  or  of  the  United  States. 
For,  like  the  apostolic  churches,  each  congregation  of 
baptized  believers  is  a  church.  "  The  churches  of  Asia," 
'"  the  churches  of  Galatia,"  "  the  churches  of  Macedonia," 
mean  that  there  were  as  many  churches  as  there  were 
local  church  organizations,  this  is  too  obvious  to  need 
further  remark.  The  New  Testament  recognizes  no  such 
thing  as  "  a  branch  of  the  church,"  "  branches  of  the 
church."  &c.  No  church  is  ever  called  a  part  or  branch 
of  the  church- "  in  Galatia,"  "  in  Macedonia,"  &c.  The 
words  church  and  churches  occur  one  hundred  and  twelve 
times  in  the  New  Testament,  but  the  words  "  branch  of 
the  church"  is  not  to  be  found  there  at  all.  An  organiza- 
tion that  is  only  "  a  branch  of  the  church"  is  not  a  church 
of  Christ.  The  apostles  established  "  churches,"  not 
"  branches  of  the  church."     They  are  of  modern  origin. 

It  has  been  said  that  Christ  and  the  apostles  did  not 
set  up  his  church  denominationally;  that  he  did  not 
organize  a  distinct  set  or  denomination ;  and  that  con- 
sequently we  are  at  liberty  to  unite  with  any  sect  or  de- 
nomination that  claims  to  be  a  church,  or  branch  of  the 
church  of  Christ ;  that  all  denominations  are  true  churches, 
and  equally  entitled  to  be  considered  as  such. 

Facts  do  not  sustain  this  position,  for  Christ  and  the 
apostles  did  set  up  his  church  as  a  distinct  set,  with  a 
fully-developed  government  and  discipline,  and  has  com- 
manded his  church  to  "  mark"  and  "  avoid"  those  that 
cause  divisions  in  or  of  it.      Bom.  xvi.  17. 

To  assert  or  insinuate  that  the  God  of  heaven  "  set  up 
a  kingdom"  (Dan.  ii.  44),  and  that  the  Saviour  would 
build  his  church  (Matt.  xvi.  18),  and  that  the  apostles 
spent  their  lives  in  establishing  and  confirming  churches 
in  the  faith  delivered  unto  the  saints,  and  leave  them  with 


SANDY    CEEEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATIOX.  13 

out  a  fully  developed  organization,  both  as  to  government 
and  discipline,  is  a  reflection  upon  divine  wisdom  that  few 
conscientious  and  reflecting  men  will  venture  upon. 

In  Acts  xxviii.  22,  the  Christian  organization  is  called 
a  "  sect."  "  As  concerning  this  sect,  we  know  that 
everywhere  it  is  spoken  against." 

1.  From  this  we  learn  that  the  followers  of  Jesus  were 
a  distinct  sect. 

2.  It  was  but  one  sect,  "this  sect." 

3.  It  was  "  this  sect,"  that  is,  the  same  universally,  for 
it  was  "  spoken  against  everywhere." 

The  New  Testament  contains  a  full  description  of  the 
organization  of  the  church  of  Christ  as  a  distinct  "  sect" 
or  denomination,  specifying  its  members,  ordinances,  offi- 
cers, government,  and  discipline.  See  the  commission, 
Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20  ;  Mark  xvi.  15,  1G  ;  Acts  ii.  41,  42, 
44;  also,  vi.  2,  5  ;  also,  viii.  5,  12,  37,  38,  39  ;  also,  x. 
44  to  48.  Matt,  xviii.  17  ;  2  Thess.  iii.  G  ;  1  Cor.  v.  1, 
5,  13  ;  Rom.  xvi.  1  ;  2  Cor.  ii.  7,  8  ;  Acts  i.  2,  3  ;  Acts 
xiii.  3  ;  Matt.  xxvi.  27. 

If  the  reader  will  turn  to  and  read  the  passages  referred 
to  above,  he  will  perceive  that  the  church  of  Christ  is  a 
fully  developed  oi'ganization. 

The  Epistles  of  Paul,  Peter,  John,  &c,  contain  in- 
structions that  are  designed  for  the  churches  as  organized 
bodies,  invested  with  the  execution  of  the  laws  of  Christ's 
kingdom. 

If  the  New  Testament  does  not  fully  develop  the  organi- 
zation of  a  church,  with  its  government  and  discipline, 
and  all  things  that  are  requisite  for  faith  and  practice,  the 
last  will  and  testament  of  the  blessed  Redeemer  is  an  in- 
sufficient rule  of  faith  and  practice.  No  true  and  loyal 
subject  of  the  blessed  Saviour  believes  that  he  has  for- 


14  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

bidden  us  to  add  to  or  diminish  from  the  tilings  contained 
in  this  book  (Rev.  xxii.  18),  and  at  the  same  time  believes 
that  it  is  not  a  full  and  complete  directory  for  his  church. 

The  churches  of  Christ,  as  has  been  shown,  are  local, 
independent  bodies.  In  their  individual  or  separate  ca- 
pacity they  are  to  execute  the  laws  of  Christ.  The  New 
Testament  knows  nothing  of  courts  of  appeal,  it  gives  no 
account  of  any  ecclesiastical  courts,  it  places  the  whole 
government  of  the  churches  in  each  individual  or  local 
assembly.  An  individual  church  assembled  in  one  place 
is  the  highest  church  authority  recognized  by  Christ. 
This  is  evident  from  Matt,  xviii.  15,  17  :  "  And  if  he  shall 
neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church;  but  if  he 
neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen 
man  and  a  publican." 

From  this  church  decision  there  is  no  appeal. 

So  it  is  with  Baptist  churches  ;  they  have  no  courts  of 
appeal ;  the  decision  of  each  church  is  final,  as  the  Savior 
in  this  passage  has  commanded  it  to  be.  The  dealing  with 
and  excommunication  of  members  is  the  highest  and  most 
important  trust  that  Christ  has  committed  to  his  church, 
and  this  he  confines  to  each  local  or  separate  church,  as 
we  have  just  seen.  See,  also,  1  Cor.  v.  1,  5,  13.  Here 
a  local  church  is  directed  to  excommunicate  a  wicked 
member.     From  its  decision  there  is  no  appeal. 

That  all  ecclesiastical  discipline  and  prerogative  is  to  be 
confined  to  individual  churches,  is  evident  from  the  fol- 
lowing facts.  The  churches,  in  their  individual  capacity, 
are  empowered  by  Christ — . 

1.  To  receive  members.     Rom.  xvi.  1  ;  Acts  ii.  41. 

2.  To  excommunicate  unworthy  members.  Matt,  xviii. 
17 ;   1  Cor.  v.  5,  13  ;  2  Thess.  iii.  6. 

3.  To  restore  the  penitent.     2  Cor.  ii.  7,  8. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  15 

4.  To  set  apart  ministers.      Acts  i.  2,  3. 

5.  To  select  deacons.     Acts  vi.  5. 

6.  To  send  out  missionaries.     Acts  xiii.  3. 

7.  To  mark  and  avoid  those  that  cause  dissension  in'or 
of  the  church.      Rom.  xvi.  17. 

These  passages  show  that  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  churches  are  to  be  confined  to  each  church  as  an  in 
dependent  body.  Any  ecclesiastical  body  that  exercises 
government  or  discipline,  which  Christ  has  here  clearly 
confined  to  the  churches  in  their  individual  capacity, 
usurps  the  authority  of  the  churches,  as  delegated  to  them 
by  the  Great  Head  of  the  church,  and  should  fear  the  dis- 
pleasure of  Him  who  so  severely  punished  Nabob  and  Abi- 
hu  (Lev.  x.  1,2)  for  substituting  their  own  views  of  pro- 
priety or  inclination  for  the  express  command  of  God. 
Moses  was  denied  the  privilege  of  entering  the  promised 
land,  because  he  "smote  the  rock"  instead  of  "  speaking" 
to  it,  as  God  commanded  him.  Num.  xx.  8,  11,  12. 
The  motto  of  every  believer  should  be,  "  To  the  law,  and 
to  the  testimony."     Isa.  viii.  20. 

The  New  Testament  does  not  mention  a  single  case  of 
an  appeal  from  a  church  decision  to  a  higher  tribunal, 
neither  does  it  mention  the  existence  of  any  other  body 
than  that  of  individual  churches  for  the  transaction  of 
ecclesiastical  matters.  Sessions,  Presbyteries,  Synods, 
General  Assemblies,  Annual  and  General  Conferences, 
&c ,  are  not  once  named  in  that  book. 

There  is  but  one  instance  on  record  where  a  matter  of 
controversy  has  been  supposed  to  have  been  discussed  out- 
side of  an  individual  church,-  that  is  the  contention  that 
arose,  in  the  church  at  Antioch,  about  circumcision.  Acts 
xv.  1,  &c. 

As   this  case  is  confidently  referred  to  as  teaching  the 


16  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

divine  right  of  legislative  bodies  for  the  churches,  we  will 
give  it  some  attention. 

1.  This  was  no  case  of  appeal,  for  it  bad  not  been  acted 
on  by  the  church  at  Antioch;  v.  2.  It  went  up,  not  as 
an  appeal,  but  as  a  matter  of  inquiry,  for  information  ;  v. 
2.  Paul  and  Barnabas  were  sent  as  delegates  "to  Jeru- 
salem, unto  tbe  apostles  and  elders,  about  this  question." 

2.  When  they  arrived,  "they  were  received  of  the 
church,  and  of  the  apostles  and  elders  ;"  v.  4. 

3.  The  advice  that  was  given  was  by  the  whole  church, 
apostles  and  elders ;  v.  22. 

4.  It  was  simply  an  advisory  council,  consisting  only  of 
one  church — the  church  at  Jerusalem,  together  with  the 
apostles  and  elders  that  were  at  Jerusalem  ;  v.  2,  4,  22. 

5.  They  did  not  legislate;  they  made  no  laws.  The 
apostles,  elders,  and  brethren,  sent  a  letter  of  advice ;  v. 
23. 

G.  The  church  at  Antioch  did  not  send  to  the  church 
at  Jerusalem,  the  apostles  and  elders,  because  they  had 
ecclesiastical  authority  outside  of  their  own  assembly,  for 
they  neither  claimed  nor  possessed  any  outside  of  Jerusa- 
lem, but  because  they  were  presumed,  as  the  mother- 
church,  to  know,  and  were  able  to  impart  the  informa- 
tion they  needed. 

7.  This  case  is  a  death  blow  to  those  ecclesiastical 
bodies  that  exclude  from  their  bodies  the  private  members 
of  their  societies. 

8.  The  Baptists  regard  this  case  as  ample  authority  for 
their  advisory  councils,  called  associations. 

9.  When  this  advisory  council,  which  convened  at  the 
request  of  the  church  at  Antioch,  gave  the  advice  needed 
on  that  "occasion,  it  never  met  again ;  it  was  simply  a 
church  meeting,  called  for  a  certain  purpose. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  17 

10.  The  contention  was  not  in  the  church,  but  between 
"  Paul  and  Barnabas,"  and  "  certain  men  which  came 
down  from  Judea  ;"  v.  1.  The  church,  instead  of  acting 
on  the  case,  sent  to  the  apostles  and  elders  at  Jerusalem  for 
advice. 

11.  The  apostles  and  elders  being  fully  informed  in  the 
nature  of  church  government  and  discipline,  met  in  con- 
nection with  the  whole  church ;  v.  4,  22,  23.  And  in 
that  capacity  gave  their  advice  ;  v.  23.  The  New  Testa- 
ment does  not  give  a  single  case  of  church  government 
and  discipline  that  was  not  confined  to  an  individual 
church,  the  ministers  acting  with  them  as  in  the  case  we 
have  just  called  attention  to. 

I.  That  the  Baptist  churches  are  of  apostolical  origin  is 
abundantly  evident  from  the  following  considerations : 

1.  John,  who  was  sent  to  prepare  the  people  for  Christ, 
is  called  "John  the  Baptist."  That  John  was  a  Baptist 
cannot  be  denied,  for  the  Scripture  asserts  that  he  was. 
"In  those  days  came  John  the  Baptist."  Matt.  iii.  1.  He 
was  undoubtedly  the  first  Baptist  that  the  world  ever  saw. 
He  was  called  "  the  Baptist"  for  the  very  same  reason  that 
people  are  now  called  "  Baptists,"  namely,  because  he 
baptized  those  that  "  brought  forth  fruits  meet  for  repent- 
ance," and  refused  all  others.      Matt.  iii.  7,  8,  9. 

If  John  was  a  "Baptist"  (and  Matthew  says  he  was"), 
his  "disciples"  were  Baptists.  That  they  were  whatever 
John  was  follows  as  a  necessary  consequence.  The  same 
made  a  Baptist  then  that  does  now.  If  a  believer  is  bap- 
tized noAv  by  a  "Baptist,"  is  he  not  a  Baptist?  Is  he  not 
so  recognized  %  For  the  same  reason  those  that  "John 
the  Baptist"  baptized,  became  Baptists. 

If  Matthew  had  called  John,  "John  the  Presbyterian," 
"John    the    Episcopalian,"    or   "John,   the  Methodist," 

2* 


18  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

would  not  these  denominations  claim  from  this  fact,  that  he 
was  the  first  of  their  denomination?  Most  assuredly  they 
would,  and  none  could  successfully  resist  their  claim.  But 
it  so  happens  that  he  called  him  "John  the  Baptist;" 
consequently  we  claim  that  he  was  the  first  Baptist. 

II.  That  the  apostolic  churches  (as  the  Baptists  now  do) 
baptized  only  believers,  is  evident  : 

1.  From  the  commission  of  our  Savior.  See  Matt. 
xxviii.„19,  20,  and  Mark  xvi.  15,  16  :  "  Go  ye  therefore 
and  teach,  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  teaching 
them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded," 
&c. 

"  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature.  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved,"  &c.  Here  the  baptism  of  none  is  recognized 
but  of  those  that  are  taught  and  believe.  Infants  are  in- 
capable of  being  taught,  of  believing,  or  of  observing  the 
things  that  Christ  had  commanded ;  consequently,  by  the 
Savior's  commission,  they  are  excluded  from  baptism. 
This  must  be  obvious  to  every  unprejudiced  and  reflecting 
mind. 

The  apostles  who  received  and  acted  under  this  com- 
mission, baptized  believers  only. 

On  the  day  of  Pentecost  (see  Acts,  ii.),  when  about 
three  thousand  souls  were  added  unto  the  church,  only 
"  such  as  gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized  ;"    v.  41. 

Only  believers  were  associated  together  in  this  church ; 
v.  44.      "And  all  that  believed  were  together." 

"  Philip  went  down  to  Samaria,  and  preached  Christ 
unto  them."     Acts  viii.  5. 

"  When  they  believed  they  were  baptized,"  both  men 
and   women;"  v.   12.      Why  is  it  not  added,  "and  in- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  19 

fants  V  Simply  because  none  were  baptized.  Philip 
was  a  Baptist  minister,  and  baptized  only  believing  men 
and  women,  as  Baptists  do  now. 

When  the  eunuch  desired  baptism,  Philip  said,  "  If  thou 
believest  with  all  thy  heart  thou  mayest."     Acts  viii.  37. 

Dr.  Hodge,  in  the  Princeton  Review  of  October,  1853, 
says  :  "  In  no  part  of  the  New  Testament  is  any  other 
condition  of  membership  prescribed  than  that  contained  in 
the  answer  of  Philip  to  the  eunuch  who  desired  baptism  : 
'  If  thou  believest  with  all  thy  heart  thou  mayest. '  The 
church,  therefore,  is  a  company  of  believers." 

As  the  commission  requires  faith  in  order  to  baptism, 
and  the  New  Testament  abounds  in  examples  of  believ- 
ers' baptism,  we  have  no  right  to  baptize  unbelievers, 
whether  they  be  adults  or  unconscious  infants,  unless  a 
plain  command  or  example  of  infant  baptism  can  be  found 
in  that  book.  So  far  from  any  such  command  or  example 
being  there,  it  is  admitted  by  many  learned  Pedobaptists 
that  it  contains  no  such  command  or  example  : 

1 .  Bishop  Burnet  says,  ' '  There  is  no  express  precept  or 
rule  given  in  the  New  Testament  for  the  baptism  of  in- 
fants."— Exposition  of  the  39  Articles. 

2.  Dr.  Wall,  the  great  champion  of  infant  baptism, 
says :  "  Among  all  the  persons  that  are  recorded  as  bap- 
tized oy  the  apostles,  there  is  no  express  mention  of  any 
infant." — Hist.  Infant  Baptism,  p.  1. 

3.  Dr.  Bond,  a  leading  Methodist  Episcopal  minister,  in 
his  Economy  of  Methodism,  p.  52,  says:  "But  if  the  Re- 
formers [Prot.  Methodists]  insist  upon  changing  the  rule 
which  makes  it  obligatory  upon  members  to  meet  in  class, 
because  there  is  no  positive  scriptural  command  for  it, 
they  must  also  give  up  infant  baptism,  &c. ,  for  there  is  no 
such  commandment." 


20  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

4.  Dr.  Woods,  of  Andover,  Prof.  Moses  Stewart,  Dr 
Neander,  &c,  admit  the  same  thing. 

Reader,  if  you  think  the  New  Testament  contains  an 
example  or  command  for  infant  baptism,  all  that  is  neces- 
sary to  cure  you  of  that  belief,  is  for  you  to  make  a  search 
for  it.  You  have  no  more  chance  to  find  it  than  you 
would  to  get  to  the  end  of  a  rainbow,  or  to  take  hold  of 
an  ignis- fa  tuns.      It  is  not  there. 

Episcopalians  do  not  believe  that  any  are  entitled  to 
baptism,  according  to  the  Scriptures,  without  faith,  hence 
they  recprire  sp)onsors  in  the  baptism  of  infants,  to  believe 
and  answer  for  them. 

Presbyterians  do  not  believe  that  any  are  entitled  to 
baptism  without  faith,  hence  they  will  not  baptize  the  in- 
fants of  unbelieving  parents.  Knowing  that  none,  accord- 
ing to  the  New  Testament,  without  faith,  are  to  be  bap- 
tized, they  baptize  infants  on  the  faith  of  their  parents  1 
They  are  Baptists  in  theory,  but  Pedobaptists  in  practice  ! 

III.  That  the  apostolic  churches  (as  Baptists  now  do) 
practised  immersion,  and  that  only,  is  evident — 

1.  From  the  meaning  of  the  word  used  by  the  Savior 
and  the  apostles  to  express  the  ordinance  of  baptism. 
Baptism  is  mentioned  about  ninety  times  in  the  New 
Testament,  in  every  instance  laptizo  in  some  of  its  forms 
is  used.  The  words  that  are  used  to  express  sprinkling  or 
pouring,  are  never  used  when  the  ordinance  of  baptism  is 
referred  to. 

It  is  as  easy  to  determine  the  meaning  of  laptizo,  as  of 
dip  or  immerse  ;  the  definitions  given  by  the  lexicons  and 
dictionaries  are  precisely  the  same.  We  will  give  two  ex- 
amples : 

1.  Liddell  and  Scott  (Greek  Lexicon),  ''  Baptko,  to  dip 
repeatedly,  of  ships  to  sink  them ;  in  a  passive  voice,  to 
bathe,   to  soak  in  wine,  over  head  and  ears  in  debt/' 


SANDY   CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  21 

2.  Donnegan  (Greek  Lexicon),  Baptizo,  to  immerse  re- 
peatedly into  a  liquid ;  to  submerge,  to  soak  thoroughly 
to  saturate,  to  drench  with  wine,  to  confound  totally,  to 
dip  in  a  vessel  and  withdraw,  to  be  immersed." 

8.  Webster  (English  Dictionary),  u  Dip,  to  plunge  or 
immerse  for  a  moment  or  short  time  in  water,  to  put  into 
a  fluid  and  withdraw,  to  engage,  take  concern,  to  moisten, 
to  wet." 

4.  Walker  (English  Dictionary),  Dip,  to  immerge,  put 
into,  moisten,  engage." 

Baptizo,  in  Greek,  and  Dip,  in  English,  are  identical 
in  meaning.  From  the  definition  of  the  two  words,  there 
is  as  much  propriety  in  saying,  dip  means  to  sprinkle  and 
pour,  as  that  baptizo  does.  Liddell  and  Scott,  Donnegan, 
Hedericus,  Stephanas,  Scapular,  Schleusner,  Parkhurst, 
Robinson,  Groves,  Schrivellus,  Suidas,  Brctschneider 
Whal,  Greenfield,  &c,  all  give  dip,  or  immerse,  as  the  mean- 
ing of  baptizo,  but  not  one  of  them  gives  it  the  meaning  of 
sprinkle  or  pour  !  This  is  a  significant  fact.  If  baptizo 
means  to  pour,  or  sprinkle,  as  well  as  immerse,  how  are 
Ave  to  account  for  the  fact  that  all  these  Greek  Lexicons 
fail  to  put  down  pour,  or  sprinkle,  as  the  meaning  of  this 
word  ?  A  lexicographer's  scholarship  and  moral  integrity 
are  at  stake  relative  to  the  meaning  which  is  given  to 
words.  He  cannot  put  down  a  meaning  to  a  word  that 
it  does  not  contain,  without  the  loss  of  scholarship  or 
veracity. 

Liddell  and  Scott,  in  the  first  edition  published  by  the 
Harpers,  New- York,  gave  "  to  pour  upon,"  as  a  '  meta- 
phorical" meaning  of  baptizo;  they  were  called  upon  to 
show  their  authority  for  this  meaning,  or  to  retract  it. 
Not  being  able  to  give  any  authority  for  giving  "  to  pour 
upon,"  as  a  meaning  of  baptizo,  in  their  next  edition   they 


22  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

left  it  out !     This  they  were  compelled  to  do,  or  forfeit 
either  their  scholarship  or  veracity  ! 

IV.  That  immersion  was  the  apostolic  mode,  is  evident 
from  the  fact  that  John  baptized  "  in  Jordan,"  "  in 
Eanon,  near  to  Salem,  because  there  was  much  water 
there  ;"  and  that  the  Savior,  after  his  baptism,  came  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water  ;  "  and  that  Philip  and  the 
eunuch  went  both  down  into  the  water,  and  he  baptized 
him,  and  came  up  out  of  the  water."  If  it  was  not  for 
the  purpose  of  immersion,  why  did  they  go  "  in  Jordan," 
"  in  Eanon,"  and  go  "  down  into,  and  come  up  out  of  the 
water  V 

V.  That  immersion  was  the  apostolic  practice,  is  evident 
from  the  fact  that  the  Romans  (Rom.  vi.  4),  Colossians 
(Col.  ii.  12),  and  Corinthians  (Cor*,  xv.  29),  "  were  buried 
by  baptism." 

Modern  Presbyterians  and  Methodists  deny  that  "  being 
bui'ied  by  baptism,"  has  any  allusion  to  water  baptism. 
That  it  does  allude  to  immersion  is  conceded  by  dis- 
tinguished Peclobaptists : 

1.  Dr.  Wills,  a  Pedobaptist,  on  Rom.  vi.  4,  "buried 
with  him  by  baptism,"  says :  "  St.  Paul  here  alludes  to 
immersion  " 

2.  Mr.  Burket,  an  Episcopalian,  on  Rom.  vi.  4,  says  : 
"  The  apostle  alludes,  no  doubt,  to  the  ancient  manner  and 
way  of  baptizing  by  immersion." 

3.  Dr.  Doddridge  (Presbyterian),  on  Rotn.  vi.  4,  says : 
"It  is  the  part  of  candor  to  confess  that  here  is  an  allu- 
sion to  the  manner  of  baptizing  by  immersion." 

4.  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  the  great  Methodist  commentator, 
says  of  Rom.  vi.  4  :  "It  is  probable  that  the  apostle  here 
alludes  to  the  mode  of  administering  baptism  by  immer- 
sion." 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  23 

On  1  Cor.  xv.  29,  he  says:  "  They  received  baptism  as 
an  emblem  of  death,  in  voluntarily  going  under  the  water 
and  coming  up  out  of  the  water." 

Again,  on  Col.  ii.  12,  "  Buried  with  him  by  baptism," 
Dr.  Clarke  says,  "  Alluding  to  the  immersions  practised 
in  the  cases  of  adults,  wherein  the  persons  appeared  to  be 
buried  under  the  water."  Dr.  Clarke  admits  that  Rom. 
vi.  4,  1  Cor.  xv.  29,  and  Col.  ii.  12,  all  allude  to  baptism 
by  immersion. 

5.  John  Wesley,  the  father  and  founder  of  Methodism, 
in  his  Notes  on  Rom.  vi.  4,  "  Buried  with  him  by  bap- 
tism," says :  ' '  Alluding  to  the  ancient  manner  of  bap- 
tizing by  immersion." 

Paul  informs  us  that  he,  the  Rowans,  and  Colo.ssiaas, 
were  buried  by  baptism,  consequently  they  were  immersed. 
A  dead  man  laid  upon  the  ground,  and  a  little  dirt 
sprinkled  or  poured  on  his  face,  would  not  be  buried  ; 
a  burial  requires  that  the  body  be  covered.  Baptism 
represents  both  the  burial  and  resurrection  of  Christ.  See 
Rom.  vi.  4,  5. 

The  immersion  represents  the  burial,  and  the  emerging 
represents  the  resurrection  of  Christ. 

VI.  That  immersion  was  the  apostolic  practice,  is  evi- 
dent from  the  fact  that  baptized  persons  are  said,  in  their 
baptism,  to  be  planted  together  in  the  likeness  of  his 
[Christ's]  death,"  &c.     Rom.  vi.  4,  5. 

Immersion  is  as  essential  to  baptism  as  covering  of  grain 
is  to  its  being  planted.  No  one  has  ever  received  that 
baptism  that  is  essential  to  their  being  "  buried  with  Christ 
by  baptism,"  and  being  "  planted  together  in  the  likeness 
of  Christ's  death,"  and  "  also  the  likeness  of  his  resurrec- 
tion" (Rom.  vi.  4,  5),  unless  he  has  been  immersed. 

VII.  The  apostolic  practice  of  immersion  is  evident  from 


24  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

the  fact  that  for  the  first  three  hundred  years  after  Christ, 
immersion  was  the  only  mode  except  in  sickness. 

1.  Dr.  Mosheim,  a  Lutheran,  in  his  celebrated  Church 
History  (Methodist  edition),  v.  1,  p.  126,  says:  "The 
sacrament  of  baptism  was  administered  in  this  (the  first) 
century  without  the  public  assemblies,  in  places  appointed 
and  prepared  for  that  purpose,  and  was  performed  by  im- 
mersion of  the  whole  body  in  the  baptismal  font." 

Speaking  of  the  second  century,  Dr.  Mosheim  says : 
"  The  persons  that  were  baptized ....  were  immersed 
under  water,"  v.  1,  p.  206.  This  testimony  is  con- 
clusive as  to  the  first  two  centuries. 

2.  Bishop  Smith,  of  Kentucky,  in  a  sermon,  said  :  "  We 
have  only  to  go  back  six  or  eight  hundred  years,  and  im- 
mersion was  the  only  mode,  except  in  cases  of  sickness.  It 
was  not  only  universal,  but  was  primitive  and  apostolical." 
— In  Biblical  Recorder  of  August  8,  1840. 

3.  Hagenback,  professor  of  theology  in  Basel,  in  a 
work  entitled  "  The  Christian  Church  of  the  First  Three 
Centuries,"  in  his  19th  lecture  says :  "  Baptism  in  the 
beginning  was  administered  by  immersion. .  .  .  Sprink- 
ling was  in  early  times  only  administered  to  the  sick,  &c, 
on  their  dying  beds." 

4.  Coleman,  in  a  work  entitled  "  Ancient  Christianity 
Exemplified,"  in  referring  to  immersion,  says:  "In  the 
primitive  church,  immediately  subsequent  to  the  age  of 
the  apostles,  this  [immersion]  was  undeniably  the  common 
mode  of  baptism,  the  utmost  that  can  be  said  of  sprinkling 
in  that  early  period  is,  that  it. was,  in  case  of  necessity 
(sickness),  permitted  as  an  exception -to  a  general  rule;" 
pp.  395-'96. 

5.  Dr.  Miller  (Presbyterian)  says:  "It  is  not  denied 
that  for  the  first  few  centuries  after  Christ,  the  most  com- 


SANDY    CREEK     BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  25 

mon  mode  of  administering  baptism  was  by  immersion." 
— On  Baptism,  p.  116. 

6.  Dr.  Neander,  a  Lutheran,  in  his  History  of  the 
Church  for  the  First  Three  Centuries,  translated  by  Rose, 
p.  197,  says:  "Baptism  was  originally  administered  by 
immersion ....  An  exception  was  only  in  the  cases  of 
sickness." 

7.  Lord  Chancellor  King,  an  Episcopalian,  in  his  Prim- 
itive Church  (Methodist  edition),  pp.  218 -'19,  speaking  of 
the  first  three  centuries,  says  :  "  As  for  the  quantity  of 
water  employed  in  baptism,  to  me,  it  seems  evident  that  their 
usual  custom  was  to  immerse  or  dip  the  whole  body .... 
The  exception  to  immersion  was  in  the  cases  when  sick 
persons,  whose  death  they  apprehended,  were  baptized 
by  aspersion  in  their  beds.  It  is  true,  indeed,  this  baptism 
was  not  generally  esteemed  as  perfect  as  the  more  solemn 
baptism,  for  which  reason  it  was  the  custom,  in  some 
churches,  not  to  advance  to  clerical  orders  any  who  had 
been  so  baptized.  The  ordination  of  Novation  was  op- 
posed by  all  the  clergy,  and  many  of  the  laity,  as  unlawful, 
because  of  clinic  perfusion." 

"  All  the  clergy"  were  Baptist  ministers,  for  they  did 
just  what  Baptist  ministers  would  do  now,  they  every  one 
refused  to  ordain  Novation,  because,  instead  of  being  im- 
mersed, he  had  only  been  poured  upon,  on  a  sick  bed ! 
There  was  not  even  one  Pedobaptist  minister  present  at 
the  proposed  ordination  of  Novation,  for  if  there  had  been, 
he  would  have  voted  for  his  ordination  !  There  is  not  now 
a  Pedobaptist  minister  that  would  refuse  to  ordain  a  man 
to  the  ministry,  because,  instead  of  being  immersed,  he 
had,  like  Novation,  received  only  pouring  on  a  sick  bed. 

8.  The  Edinburgh  Encyclopedia,  v.  3,  p.  236,  article, 
Baptism,   has   the    following  words :     "  Baptism,  in   the 


26  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Apostles'  age  was  performed  by  immersion.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  mark  the  precise  period  sprinkling  was  introduced. 
It  is  probable,  however,  that  it  was  invented  in  Africa 
in  the  second  century,  in  favor  of  clinics"  (sick  persons). 

VILE.  That  the  apostolic  practice  was  immersion,  and 
continued  (except  in  cases  of  sickness  as  has  just  been 
shown),  for  thirteen  hundred  (1300)  years,  is  evident  from 
the  following  testimony : 

1.  Bishop  Bossuet,  a  Roman  Catholic,  as  quoted  by 
Stewart,  in  his  answer  to  Russen,  says  :  "We  are  able  to 
make  it  appear,  by  the  acts  of  councils  and  by  ancient  rit- 
uals, that  for  thirteen  hundred  years,  baptism  was 
thus  [by  immersion],  administered  throughout  the  whole 
church.'''' 

2.  Dr.  Whitby,  of  the  Church  of  England,  says  :  "  Im- 
mersion" was  "  religiously  observed,  by  all  Christians,  for 
thirteen  centuries." 

3.  Stackhouse,  in  his  History  of  the  Bible,  says :  "  Sev- 
eral authors  have  shown  and  proved  that  immersion  con- 
tinued, as  much  as  possible,  to  be  used  for  thirteen  hun- 
dred YEARS." 

From  the  testimony  of  these  Pedobaptist  witnesses  it  is 
clear  that  immersion  was  the  general  practice  for  one 
thousand  and  three  hundred  years. 

IX.  The  Greek  Church,  has,  from  the  days  of  the 
Apostles,  until  now,  practised  no  other  mode  than  immer- 
sion. With  them,  there  is  an  unbroken  chain  of  immer- 
sion from  the  apostles  to  the  present  moment. 

X.  Roman  Catholics  defend  their  practice  of  sprink- 
ling, on  the  ground  of  tradition ;  they  admit  that  immer- 
sion was  the  ancient  practice.  In  1847,  Dr.  Trevern 
wrote  a  book  called  "  La  Discussion  Amicale  ;"  on  page 
142,  he   says,  to   protestants  :   "  But,   without  going  aDy 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  27 

farther,  show  us,  my  lords,  the  validity  of  your  baptism 
[sprinkling]  by  scripture  alone.  Jesus  Christ  there  or- 
dains that  it  shall  be  conferred,  not  by  sprinkling  water 
on  the  heads  of  believers,  but  by  believers  being  plunged 
into  water.  ...  It  would,  therefore,  be  all  over  with  your 
baptism  [sprinkling  and  pouring],  unless  you  established  it 
by  tradition,  and  the  practice  of  the  [Catholic]  church. 
To  produce  a  plea  for  it,  you  are  obliged  to  seek  it  with 
Pope  Stephen  and  the  councils  of  Aries  and  Nice,"  &c. 

That  the  Baptist  churches  are  of  apostolic  origin,  is  evi- 
dent from  the  following  historical  evidence  : 

1.  That  the  Novationists  of  the  third  century  were 
Baptists,  is  evident,  for  Dr.  Peck  tells  us,  "  The  Nova- 
tionists of  the  third  century  would  not  recognize  as  lawful 
baptism,  that  ceremory  when  performed  by  apostate 
churches.  Hence  they  were  called  Anabaptists."  In 
Christian  Reports,  v.  1,  No  Pedobaptist  churches  were 
ever  called  "  Anabaptists."  The  Novationists  were  so 
called,  and  consequently  were  Baptists.  This  carries  them 
back  to  a.  d.  251.  The  Novationists  constituted  the 
true  churches  wben  the  rest  became  antichrist. 

2.  That  the  Donatists  of  the  fourth  century  were  Bap- 
tists, is  sustained  by  ample  testimony. 

Dr.  Peck  says  :  "  They,  the  Donatists,  rebaptized  aU 
converts  from  apostate  churches." — See  Christian  Reports 
v.  1. 

II.  Bullinger,  as  emoted  in  the  Martyrs'  Mirror,  p.  169, 
says :  "  They  [Baptists],  are  similar  in  every  particular  to 
the  Old  Baptists,  the  Donatists. — In  Benedict's  Hist,  of 
Bap.,  p.  138. 

Again,  says  the  author  of  the  Martyrs'  Mirror :  "  We 
have  long  since  proved,  he  [Donatus]  wrote  '  that  the 
Pope  and  his  adherents  did  not  constitute  the  true  church 


28  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

and  consequently  had  lost  the  true  baptism ;  hence  he  main- 
tained that  those  who  were  baptized  in  the  Roman  Church 
should  be  rebaptized,  saying :  There  is  one  church,  one 
baptism,  one  faith,  one  gospel,  &c.  Also  that  infants 
ought  not  to  be  baptized,  but  only  adult  believers.'  "  Ben- 
edict's Hist.  p.  138.  If  this  does  not  prove  identity  be- 
tween the  Baptists  and  the  Donatists  of  the  fourth  century, 
.it  is  hard  to  conceive  of  language  that  would. 

Mr.  Long,  an  Episcopalian,  in  his  History  of  the  Do- 
natists, p.  60,  says  :  "  They  were  strictly  Anabaptists." 
On  p.  103,  Mr.  Long  says :  "  They,  the  Donatists,  did  not 
only  rebaptize  the  adults  that  came  over  to  them,  but  re- 
fused to  baptize  children."  This  was  in  A.  d.  314.  Ben- 
edict, p.  10.  Fuller,  the  English  Church  Historian,  says 
of  the  Baptists :  "  They  were  the  Donatists  new  dipped." 
— In  Dan  vers'  Hist,  of  Baptism,  p.  271  and  Benedict's 
Hist,  of  Baptists,  p,  11. 

Osiander  says:  "Oar  modern  Anabaptists  were  the 
same  with  the  Donatists  of  old,"  Danvers'  Hist,  of  Bap- 
tism, p.  271  ;  Benedict's  Hist,  of  Baptism,  p.  9. 

3.  Dr.  Mosheim  (Lutheran),  informs  us,  that  —  "The 
true  origin  of  that  sect,  which  acquired  the  denomination 
of  Anabaptists,  &c,  is  hidin  the  remote  depths  of  antiquity ," 
«fec.  Eccl.  Hist.  v.  3,  p.  320.  This  cannot  be  said  of  any 
other  denomination,  for  we  all  know  the  day  when,  and 
the  man  by  Avhom,  they  were  originated.  We  do  not  go  to 
Ecclesiastical  History  to  find  the  origin  of  the  Baptists  '•> 
we  go,  as  has  been  shown,  to  the  New  Testament  and  find 
their  origin  to  have  been  in  the  days  of  Christ  and  the 
Apostles. 

Again,  Dr.  Mosheim  says  :  "It  may  be  observed  in  the 
first  place,  that  the  Mennonites  [BaptistsJ   are  not  entirely 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  29 

mistaken  when  they  boast  of  their  descent  from  the  Wal- 
denses, Petrobrussians,  and  other  ancient  sects,  who  were 
usually  considered  witnesses  of  the  truth  in  the  times  of 
universal  darkness."  Eccl.  History,  v.  3,  p.  320.  Here  it 
is  conceded  that  the  Baptists  have  descended  from  the 
"  Waldenses,  Petrobrussians,  and  other  ancient  sects.''''  This 
is  their  line  of  descent  from  the  Apostles. 

4.  Cardinal  Hossius,  who  presided  at  the  council  of. 
Trent,  in  a  history  of  the  heresy  of  his  own  times,  says  : 
"  The  "Waldenses  rejected  infant  baptism,  and  rebaptized 
all  who  embraced  their  sentiments.  The  Anabaptists  [Bap- 
tists] are  a  pernicious  sect,  of  which  kind  the  Waldensian 
brethren  seem  to  have  been." — In  Eng.  Baptist  Magazine, 
v.  14,  p.  53. 

Again,  says  Cardinal  Hossius,  "If  the  truth  of  religion 
were  to  be  judged  of  by  the  readiness  and  cheerfulness 
which  a  man  of  any  sect  shows  in  suffering,  then  the 
opinion  and  persuasion  of  no  sect  can  be  truer  and  surer 
than  the  Anabaptists  [Baptists],  since  there  have  been 
none,  for  twelve  hundred  years  past,  that  have  been  more 
generally  punished." — English  Baptist  Magazine,  v.  10, 
p.  401.     Orchard's  History,  p.  364. 

This  testimony  carries  Baptists  back  to  A.  r>.  370. 

5.  Zuingulius,  the  celebrated  Swiss  reformer,  says,  "The 
institution  of  Anabaptism  is  no  novelty,  but  for  thirteen 
hundred  years  (1300)  has  caused  great  disturbances  in  the 
churches."     In  preface  to  Orchard's  History,  p.  17. 

This  testimony  carries  the  Baptists  back  to  A.  d. 
225. 

Dr.  McLane,  in  a  note  in  Mosheim's  Eccl.  Hist,  vol. 
3,  p.  119,  says,  "  Reiner  Sacco,  who  exerted  such  a  furious 
zeal  for  the  destruction  of  the  Waldenses,  speaks  of  Lion- 
ists  (Waldenses)  as  a  sect  that  had  flourished  above  five 


30  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

hundred  years  ;  nay,  mentioned  authors  of  note  who  make 
their  antiquity  remount  to  the  apostolic  age. " 

6.  President  Edwards  says,  "  One  of  the  popish  writers, 
speaking  of  the  Waldenses,  says,  'The  heresy  of  the  Wal- 
denses  is  the  oldest  heresy  in  the  world.' " — Hist,  of  Redemp 
tion,  p.  294. 

What  was  the  heresy  of  the  Waldenses  ?  Let  the  fol- 
lowing testimony  answer  this  question  : 

1.  Dr.  Wall  says,  "  The  Lateran  Council  of  a.  d. 
1139  did  enforce  infant  baptism  by  severe  measures,  and 
successive  councils  condemned  the  Waldenses  for  rejecting 
it."— Hist,  of  Infant  Bap.,  v.  2,  p.  242. 

2.  St.  Bernard  says,  "  The  Albigenses  and  Waldenses 
administer  baptism  only  to  adults.  They  do  not  believe 
in  infant  baptism."     In  Facts  opposed  to  Fiction,  p.  47. 

3.  Cardinal  Hossius  says,  "  The  Waldenses  rejected  in- 
fant baptism." — Eng.  Baptist  Mag.,  vol.  14,  p.  53. 

7.  The  testimony  of  Dr.  J.  J.  Dermount,  chaplain 
to  the  king  of  Holland,  and  Dr.  Ypeig,  professor  of  the- 
ology in  the  University  of  G-roningen,  is  conclusive  upon 
this  subject.  They  were  appointed  by  the  king  of  Hol- 
land to  ascertain  if  the  claims  of  the  Dutch  Baptists  to 
apostolic  descent,  through  the  Waldenses,  had  any  founda- 
tion in  the  facts  of  history.  After  investigation  they  re- 
port as  follows.  (See  Encyclopaedia  of  Eel.  Knowledge, 
by  J.  N.  Brown  ;  article,   Mennonites,  p.  796.) 

"The  Mennonites  [Baptists]  are  descended  from  the 
tolerably  pure  evangelical  Waldenses,  who  were  driven  by 
persecution  into  various  countries,  and  who,  during  the 
latter  part  of  the  12  th  century,  fled  into  Flanders,  and  into 
the  provinces  of  Holland  and  Zealand,  where  they  lived 
simple  and  exemplary  lives,  &c.  They  were,  therefore, 
in   existence    Ions   before  the  Reformed    Church    of    the 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  31 

Netherlands.  We  have  now  seen  that  the  Baptists,  who 
were  formerly  called  Anabaptists,  and  in  later  times  Men- 
nonites,  were  the  original  Waldenses,  who  have  long  in 
the  history  of  the  church  received  the  honor  of  that  origin. 
On  this  account  the  Baptists  may  be  considered  as  the 
only  Christian  community  which  has  stood  since  the  days 
of  the  apostles,  and  as  a  Christian  society  which  has  pre- 
served pure  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  through  all  ages. 
The  perfectly  correct  external  and  internal  economy  of  the 
Baptist  denomination  tends  to  confirm  the  truth,  which  is 
disputed  by  the  Romish  church,  that  the  Reformation 
brought  about  in  the  sixteenth  century  was  in  the  highest 
degree  necessary,  and  at  the  same  time  goes  to  refute  the 
erroneous  notions  of  the  Catholics,  that  their  communion 
is  the  most  ancient." 

In  consequence  of  the  abpve  report,  the  government  of 
Holland  offered  the  Baptists  a  state  salary,  but  they  po- 
litely declined  it. 

Here  it  is  asserted,  not  by  Baptists,  but  by  Pedobaptist 
doctors  of  divinity,  of  profound  scholarship — 

1.  That  the  Baptist  churches  have  descended  from  the 
ancient  Waldenses. 

2.  That  they  were  in  existence  long  before  the  Refor 
mation. 

3.  That  the  Baptist  church  is  the  only  denomination 
that  has  existed  ever  since  the  apostles. 

4.  That  they  have  preserved  pure  the  Gospel  through 
all  ages. 

5.  That  the  Baptist  church  is  older  than  the  Catholic. 
That  the  Baptist  churches  are  of  apostolic  origin  we 

think  has  been  clearly  proven  in  the  preceding  pages,  and 
also  that  they  have  existed  in  every  age  of  the  church. 
"  from  the  days  of  John  the  Baptist  until  now." 


32  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER    II. 

THE  ORIGIN  OF  THE  BAPTISTS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

'  The  Baptists  of  the  United  States  have  descended  from 
the  English  and  Dutch  Baptists.  It  is  not  material  from 
which,  as  the  English  Baptists  received  their  baptism  from 
the  Dutch  Baptists. 

By  Pedobaptist  persecution,  in  the  beginning  of  the  17tk 
■  century,  most  of  the  Baptists  in  England  were  dispersed. 
In  1615,  a  number  of  Pedob^iptists  embraced  Baptist  sen- 
timents, and  were  sent  over  to  Holland,  in  order  to  re- 
ceive immersion  from  those  that  received  it  from  the  Ana- 
baptists and  Waldenses. 

'Crosby,  in  his  History  of  English  Baptists,  p.  97,  says, 
"  A  portion  of  them  proposed  to  send  to  the  Foreign  Ana- 
baptists, who  were  descended  from  the  ancient  Waldenses 
of  France  and  Germany.  They  did  send  one  Richard 
Blount,  who  was  received  by  such  a  church  and  baptized 
by  immersion,  and  he  returned  to  England  and  baptized 
Mr.  Blacklock,  and  they  two  baptized  fifty-three  others. " 

The  first  Baptists  that  arrived  in  this  country  came 
from  England. 

1.  It  is  asserted  by  Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  in  his  Mag- 
nolia, that  "  some  of  the  first  planters  in  New-England 
were  Baptists." 

These  were  from  England — history  does  not  inform  us 
what  became  of  them. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  33 

2.  In  a.  d.  1633,  Hansard  Knolley,  a  Baptist  minis- 
ter, came  from  England.  He  was  the  first  minister  ever 
settled  in  Dover,  Massachusetts.  He  preached  there  from 
a.  d.,  1635,  to  1639. 

See  Encyclopedia  of  Religious  Knowledge,  by  J.  N. 
Brown,  p.  724. 

Pedobaptist  persecutions  broke  up  his  connection  with 
the  citizens  of  Dover.  In  1639  he  returned  to  England. 
If  he  organized  a  church,  it  became  extinct. 

3.  Early  in  a.  d.,  1639,  an  attempt  was  made  in  Wey- 
mouth, Massachusetts,  to  form  a  Baptist  Church,  but  it 
was  prevented  by  Pedobaptist  persecution.  The  members 
were  all  arraigned  before  the  court  at  Boston,  March  13th, 
1639.  Some  were  fined,  some  committed  to  prison,  some 
disfranchised,  and  some  banished. — Benedict's  History  of 
Baptists,  p.  369. 

When  Pedobaptists  had  the  power,  it  was  arrest,  im- 
prison, disfranchise,  banish,  whip,  burn,  and  drown  the 
Baptists  !  Now  when,  in  despite  of  all  their  opposition,  the 
Baptists  have  become  a  large  and  popular  denomination? 
their  former  persecutors  have  changed  their  mode  of  attack, 
and  are  exceedingly  grieved  that  Baptists  are  so  narrow- 
minded  and  bigoted  that  they  will  not  invite  them  to 
their  communion !  When  Episcopalians,  Presbyterians, 
Lutherans,  Congregationalists,  &c.  had  the  power  to  per- 
secute Bajitists,  did  they  desire  to  commune  with  them? 
Then  it  was  "  exterminate,  whip,  imprison,"  &c. 

4.  In  1638,  John  Clarke,  M.  D.,  founded  a  Baptist 
Church  in  Newport,  Rhode  Island.  He  was  a  native  of 
London.  Elder  S.  Adlam,  pastor  of  the  Newport  church, 
who  has  given  this  matter  a  thorough  investigation,  gives 
1638  as  the  true  date  of  this  church.     The  century  ser- 

3 


34  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

mon,  by  Elder  Callender,  in  1738,  is  also  regarded  as  evi- 
dence that  it  was  organized  in  1638. 

Benedict' says,  according  to  tradition,  it  was  founded  in 
1644.  Be  this  true  or  not,  still  the  Newport  church  is 
the  oldest  Baptist  church  in  America. 

5.  In  1639,  Eoger  Williams,  a  Pedobaptist  minister, 
and  a  number  of  others,  at  Providence,  Khode  Island, 
embraced  Baptist  sentiments.  Not  having  a  Baptist  ad- 
ministrator at  hand,  E.  Hollimon  was  selected  to  im- 
merse "Williams,  and  he  then  immersed  the  rest. 

It  has  been  thought,  and  asserted,  that  this  was  the 
origin  of  the  Baptists  in  America.  This  is  a  mistake, 
for  we  have  just  shown  that  "  some  of  the  first  planters  in 
New-England  (Mass.)  were  Baptists." 

We  have  also  shown  that  Hansard  Knoiley,  a  dis- 
tinguished Baptist  minister,  was  settled  in  Dover,  Massa- 
chusetts, from  1635  to  1639. 

We  have  also  shown  that  just  before  the  baptism  of 
Williams,  an  effort  was  made  to  organize  a  Baptist  church 
at  Weymoth,  Massachusetts. 

The  church  in  Newport  claims  that  it  was  organized  in 
1638,  one  year  before  the  baptism  of  Roger  Williams. 

6.  Roger  Williams  was  a  Baptist  only  four  months. 
Thomas  Lechford,  who  visited  Rhode  Island  in  1640,  or 
early  in  1641,  says  :  "  Here  lives  Master  Williams  and 
his  company  of  divers  opinions;  most  are  Anabaptists;  they 
hold  there  is  no  true  visible  Church,  in  the  Bay,  nor  in  the 
world,  nor  true  ministers.'''' — (As  quoted  by  Elder  S.  Adlam, 
pastor  of  the  Newport  church.) 

Here  is  the  testimony  of  an  English  Episcopalian,  an 
eye-witness,  who  was  on  the  ground  in  less  than  two 
years  after  the  baptism  of  Mr.  Williams.  From  his 
statement  of  the  case,  there  was  no  organized  church  at 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  35 

that  time  in  Providence.  Lechford  says,  "  Williams  and 
his  company''''  believed  "  there  is  no  true  visible  church  in 
the  world,  nor  any  true  ministry."  With  this  opinion, 
they  were  not  a  gospel  church,  neither  did  they  claim  to 
be.  Lechford  does  not  call  them  a  Church,  but  a  "  com- 
pany of  divers  opinions,"  believing  that  there  was  "  no 
true  gospel  church  in  the  world." 

7.  It  is  by  no  means  certain  that  Williams  and  his 
company  Avere  ever  organized  into  a  church  after  their 
baptism.  If  they  were,  it  soon  died  out.  This  is  evident 
from  the  testimony  of  Cotton  Mather.  In  his  Ecclesiastical 
History  of  New-England,  p.  7,  he  says  of  Williams  and 
his  "company:"  "Here  [in  Providence]  they  proceeded 
not  only  unto  the  gathering  of  a  thing  like  a  church,  <J-c.  ; 
after  this,  he  [Williams]  turned  Seeker  and  Famili&t,  and 
the  church  came  to  nothing.'''' 

Governor  Winthrop  says  :  "  In  March,  1639,  he  [Roger 
Williams]  was  baptized  by  one  of  his  brethren,  &c,  but, 
in  July  following,  such  scruples  were  raised  in  his  own 
mind  about  it,  that  he  refrained  from  such  administrations 
among  them." — In  Baptist  Library,  vol.  1,  p.  102. 

Elder  S.  Adlam,  who  has  thoroughly  investigated  this 
subject,  says  :  "I  find  no  trace  of  a  Baptist  church  in 
Providence,  after  the  failure  of  Eoger  Williams,  till  after 
1650.  The  first  intimation  of  a  church  there,  I  find  in 
the  fall  of  1651." — In  Trials  and  Sufferings  for  Bel. 
Liberty. 

8.  If  it  be  true  that  1644  is  the  true  date  of  the  New- 
port church,  as  Benedict  says  "  tradition.'''  fixes  it,  still  it  is 
true  that  it  is  the  oldest — the  mother  church  in  America. 

In  1652,  there  were  two  Baptist  churches  in  Provi- 
dence, neither  of  which  had  a  house  of  worship.  "  The 
first  house  of  worship  was  built  by  Elder  Pardon  Tilling- 


36  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

hast,  in  A.  D.  1700,  at  his  own  expense  ;  before  that,  they 
worshipped  in  a  grove,  and  in  private  houses  when  the 
weather  was  inclement." — Benedict's  History  of  Baptists. 
One  of  these  churches  was  a  five-principle  church,  under 
the  care  of  Elder  T.  Olney ;  the  other,  a  six-principle 
(held  to  laying  on  of  hands  after  baptism),  formed  in 
a.  d.  1652,  by  Elders  Brown,  Dexter,  and  Wickenden. 
These  churches  were  not  in  fellowship  with  each  other. 

8.  In  1682,  Elder  Olney  died,  after  which  that  church 
died  out,  leaving  no  successor.  The  church,  of  which 
Olney  was  pastor,  has  been  regarded  as  the  Roger  Williams 
church.  We  have  already  shown  that  the  Williams  church 
(if  his  "  company  of  divers  opinions"  were  ever  or- 
ganized as  a  church),  soon  "  came  to  nothing."  That  he 
and  his  company  embraced  "  the  opinion  that  there  was 
no  true  church  or  ministry  in  the  Bay,  or  in  the  world." 
We  have  also  shown  that  there  is  no  "  intimation  of  a 
church  in  Providence,  after  the  failure  of  Roger  Williams, 
until  the  fall  of  1651,"  consequently  the  Olney  church 
could  not  have  had  a  regular  existence  from  the  baptism 
of  Williams,  but  must  have  been  organized  by  Olney  and 
others  about  the  year  1650  or  1651.  Whether  the  Olney 
church  was  a  continuation  of  the  Williams  church  or  not, 
it  is  certain  that  it  became  extinct  after  the  death  of  Mr. 
Olney. 

9.  The  church  organized  by  Brown,  Dexter,  and  Wick- 
enden, in  1652,  is  not  a  continuation  of  the  Williams  or 
Olney  church,  but  was  organized  upon  the  six-principle 
plan,  and  was  not  in  communion  with  the  Olney  church. 

10.  The  church  organized  by  Brown,  Dexter,  and 
Wickenden,  in  1652,  is  what  is  now  called  the  "  First 
Church  in  Providence." 

11.  Mistaking  this  new  organization  for  a  continuation 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  37 

of  the  Williams  organization,  lias  led  to  the  opinion  that 
the  Roger  Williams  church  (if  he  ever  organized  one),  is 
still  in  existence.  .  This  is  not  true,  for  the  reasons 
already  given.  Cotton  Mather,  a  Pedobaptist,  as  we  have 
shown,  says,  "  it  came  to  nothing." 

Lechford  tells  us,  in  less  than  two  years  after  the  bap- 
tism of  Williams,  that  both  Williams  and  his  company 
had  embraced  "  the  idea  that  there  was  no  true,  visible 
church  in  the  Bay,  nor  in  the  world,  nor  any  true  minis- 
try." With  this  belief  they  were  not  a  church,  and  evi- 
dently did  not  claim  to  oe. 

Daniel  Neale,  author  of  the  History  of  the  Puritans, 
declares,  in  his  History  of  New  England,  that  after  Wil- 
liams began  to  doubt  the  authority  of  any  to  administer 
the  ordinances,  "  his  church  crumbled  to  pieces,  every  one 
following  his  own  fancy." 

After  this,  "  the  first  intimation,"  says  Elder  Adlam,  "  of 
a  church  in  Providence,  was  in  the  fall  of  1651." 

As  this  is  a  very  important  and  interesting  subject  to 
Baptists,  we  will  give  some  extracts  from  an  interesting 
history  of  the  Origin  of  the  Baptists  in  America,  by  Prof. 
Wm.  C.  Duncan,  of  New-Orleans,  which  has  fallen  into 
our  hands  since  the  foregoing  was  written  : 

"  It  is  very  uncertain  whether  Mr.  Williams  succeeded 
in  establishing  any  regular  religious  organization ....  He 
soon  began  to  doubt,  not  only  the  validity  of  the  baptism 
which  himself  had  administered,  &c.  After  doubting  and 
wavering  for  some  months,  (from  March  to  July,  1639),  he 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  there  was  no  true  church,  &c. , 
and  ceased  from  his  attempt  to  establish  a  visible  church 
of  Christ.  This  conviction  he  entertained  to  his  death,  in 
1683.  During  all  this  time  (from  1639  to  1683)  he  or- 
dained none  and  baptized  none.     So  far,  then,  as  his  min- 


38  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

istration  of  it  was  concerned,  his  baptism  ceased  with  its 
first  performance. 

"  Those  whom  Mr.  Williams  immersed,  seem  to  have 
generally  partaken  of  his  doubts,  and  to  have  adopted  his 
conclusions  respecting  the  church  and  its  ministry.  His 
society,  in  consequence,  soon  fell  to  pieces ....  The  evidence 
which  establishes  this  fact  is  quite  conclusive." 

After  giving  the  evidence  (which  is  the  same  that  we 
have  already  given),  Prof.  Duncan  continues  :#"  Mean- 
while, however,  a  number  of  Baptists  arrived  at  Provi- 
dence, from  abroad.  Among  these  were  Chad  Brown,  Wm. 
Wickenden,  and  Gregory  Dexter ....  Here  we  discover 
the  true  origin  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Providence. 
Around  these  brethren  from  abroad,  who  came  in  after 
Williams  had  ceased  his  effort  at  ecclesiastical  organiza- 
tion, there  gathered  all  those  who  approved  of  Baptist  sen- 
timents ;  and  thus  a  church  of  baptized  believers  was 
gradually  formed.  Among  these,  it  is  probable,  were 
some  of  those  who  had  been  immersed  by  Mr.  Williams. 
Whether  they  did  or  not  is  of  little  importance,  for,  as  we 
shall  see,  their  baptism,  valid  or  invalid,  was  not  perpetu- 
ated. 

u  Be  the  year  what  it  may,  the  Baptists  of  Newport, 
R.  I.,  whether  we  regard  the  time  of  their  settlement,  or 
of  the  forming  of  a  recognized  church,  appear  to  have  been 
in  advance  (of  the  Providence  church).  John  Clark,  who 
seems  to  have  already  become  a  Baptist  in  England,  set- 
tled, in  1638,  with  others  who  had  similar  feelings,  &c, 
on  Rhode  Island. 

"  Rev.  John  Comer,  a  New-England  Baptist  minister 
of  talents  and  learning,  and  an  accurate  history  writer  (in 
1734),  closes  his  account  of  the  Newport  church  by  call- 
ing it  '  the  first  Baptist  church  on  Khode  Island,  in  New- 
England,  and  the  first  in  America.'  " 


SANDY   CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  39 

Again,  continues  Prof.  Duncan,  "The  testimony  of 
Rev.  John  Callender,  (in  1738),  given  in  his  celebrated 
*  Century  Sermon,'  goes  to  confirm  this  statement  of  Co- 
mer's ;  for  he  suspects,  on  the  authority  of  the  oldest  citi- 
zens of  Providence,  some  of  whom  knew  Mi*.  Williams 
and  others  of  the  original  settlers,  that  ■  the  first  founders 
of  the  Providence  church  were  Mr.  Brown,  Mr.  Wicken- 
den  (or  Wlginton),  Mr.  Dexter,  Mr.  Olney,  Mr.  Tilling- 
hast,'  etc.,  and  not  Roger  Williams. 

"  Until  as  late  as  that  year  (1652)  there  was  either  no 
church  organization  in  Providence,  or  church  matters  were 
in  strange  confusion;  for,  up  to  1652,  no  mention  is  made 
of  any  organization  existing  there,  and  every  Baptist  of 
Rhode  Island  '  known  to  belong  to  a  church,  live  where 
be  may,  belonged  to  the  church  of  Newport."  Until  this 
date  (1652)  the  Newport  church  alone  has  a  name  in  his- 
tory, and  its  members  alone  are  spoken  of  in  connection 
with  the  Baptist  cause  and  Baptist  movements  in  New- 
England. 

"Whatever  irregularity  there  may  have  been  connected 
with  the  baptism  of  some  few  of  the  founders  of  the  first 
church  in  Providence,  died  out  icith  themselves.  No  bap- 
tism in  America,  therefore,  descends  from  the  rite  which 
was  administered  by  Williams,  in  1639. 

"  A  century  passed  away  before  any  society  originated 
from  that  in  Providence.  It  did  not  begin  to  colonize 
until  about  1730.  The  Greenwich  church  sprang  from  it 
in  1743,  that  in  Cranston  in  1764,  that  in  Johnston  in 
1771. 

"  He  [Williams]  was  a  good  man  and  a  true  man,  but 
he  was  not  the  founder  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Amer- 
ica." 

We  have  now  fully  shown  that  the  Baptists  of  the  Uni- 


40  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

ted  States  have  not  descended  From  Roger  "Williams — that 
his  baptism  is  not  perpetuated. 

Baptist  churches  "were  formed  in  nearly  or  quite  all  of 
the  New-England  States,  before  the  "  Providence  church 
began  to  colonize,"  by  Baptist  ministers  from  England  and 
Wales ;  consequently  the  Baptists  in  America  are  the  de- 
scendants of  the  English  and  Welsh  Baptists,  including  the 
churches  and  ministers  that  have  descended  from  the  Prov- 
idence church. 

The  Roger  Williams  church,  (if  it  ever  was  really  an 
organized  body),  as  has  been  seen,  died  out,  and  the  per- 
manent organization  was  effected  in  1651  or  '52  by  English 
Baptists.     . 

"  The  true  descent,"  says  Prof.  Duncan,  "  of  the  Amer- 
ican Baptists,  has  been  indicated.  They  are  connected 
in  part  with  the  Baptists  of  England  ;  whose  origin,  in 
their  turn,  is  derived  from  the  Baptists  of  the  European 
continent  (reaching  back  to  apostolic  days),  and  from  the 
Baptists  who  from  the  early  ages  of  the  churcb  were  nur- 
tured in  Wales ;  and  they  are  directly  connected  in  part 
with  the  Cambro-British  Baptists,  who  have  preserved  in 
the  mountain  fastnesses  of  their  native  land  [Wales]  the 
principles  and  practices  which  they  received  from  their 
fathers,  and  from  their  fathers'  fathers,  from  the  ancient 
times  of  Christianity.  Thus  the  chain  which  unites  them 
to  the  early  Baptist  church  is  a  chain  of  triple  link,  which 
cannot  easily  be  broken." 

Baptists  do  not  regard  succession  of  any  kind  as  being 
essential  to  the  validity  of  their  churches  or  ministry  ;  yet 
it  is  a  pleasing  and  interesting  fact  to  them,  that  they  can 
trace  their  existence  through  every  period  of  the  Christian 
era,  "from  the  days  of  John  the  Baptist  until  now." 

It  is  also  a  source   of  pleasure   and  delight  to  them  to 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  41 

knoAv  that  their  churches  in  America  have  descended  from 
the  English  and  Welsh  Baptists,  and  not  from  the  irregu- 
lar baptism  and  church  organization  of  Roger  Williams. 
They  honor  him  as  a  statesman,  a  great  and  good  man, 
and  for  his  noble  stand  in  favor  of  religious  toleration, 
but  not  as  the  founder  of  Baptists  in  America. 
3* 


42  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 


CHAPTER  [III. 

SOME  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  FIRST  BAPTISTS  THAT  SETTLED   IN  NORTH 
CAROLINA. 

There  were  individual  Baptists  in  this  state  as  early  as 
1695.  The  first  church  that  was  organized,  was  gathered 
by  Elder  Paul  Palmer,  about  a.  d.  1727,  at  a  place  called 
Perquimans,  on  Chowan  river.  Mr.  Palmer  was  a  native 
of  Maryland,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  Owen  Thomas,  and 
ordained  in  Connecticut  —  Elder  Joseph  Parker  was  his 
successor. 

About  the  year  1742,  Elder  "William  Sojourner,  an 
excellent  man  and  useful  minister,  together  with  many  of 
his  brethren,  came  from  Berkley,  in  Va.,  and  settled  on 
Kehukee  creek,  in  the  county  of  Halifax. 

They  founded  a  church  which  became  the  mother  of 
many  others.  By  1752,  they  had  increased  to  the  number 
of  sixteen  churches. 

While  these  churches  were  strictly  Baptists  in  everything 
else,  a  portion,  if  not  all  of  them,  were  loose  in  their  dis- 
cipline, and  admitted  unconverted  members  to  baptism. 
In  1751,  they  were  partially  reclaimed  from  this  practice, 
mainly  by  Bobert  Williams  of  Welch  Neck,  S.  C,  by  the 
conversation  and  efforts  of  a  private  member  by  the  name 
of  Wm.  Wallis,  but  more  especially  by  Elder  John  Gano, 
who  visited  them  in  1754,  and  Benjamin  Miller,  and 
Peter  P.  Vanhorn  in  1755.  Elder  Gano  was  sent  out  as  a 
Missionary,  by  the  Philadelphia  Association,  to  travel  in 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  43 

the  Southern  States. — See  Benedict's  History  of  Baptists, 
p.  681. 

In  1774,  this  erroneous  practice  was  continued  by  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  churches  belonging  to  the  Ke- 
hukee  Association,  at  which  time  Elders  Lemuel  Burkitt, 
John  Meglanire,  Zachary  Thompson,  and  David  Barrow, 
took  a  firm  stand  against  it.  This  led  to  a  split  in  the 
Association,  at  its  meeting  at  the- Falls  of  Tar  River,  in 
1775.  Finally  all  the  churches  that  held  in  fellowship 
those  that  were  baptized  in  unbelief,  were  convinced  of 
their  error,  and  a  complete  union  took  place  between  the 
two  parties. — See  Hist,  of  Kehukee  Association. 

Two  things  are  here  worthy  of  special  notice  : 
1.  Baptists  possess,  in  their  religious  principles,  one 
that  will  eventually  bring  them  to  the  true  doctrines  of 
the  Bible,  however  far  for  awhile  a  portion  of  them  may 
err.  They  will  hold  nothing  as  a  doctrine  of  the  Bible, 
that  is  not  therein  clearly  and  explicitly  stated.  This  will 
as  certainly  protect  them  from  error,  as  that  water  will 
seek  its  level.  The  Bible  alone  is  their  Confession  of  Faith 
and  Book  of  Discipline. 

2.  In  1754,  more  than  one  hundred  years  ago,  the  Phil- 
adelphia Association  sent  out  Elder  John  Gano  as  a  Mis- 
sionary, who  visited  this  state  and  effected  great  good. 
Every  Association  should  send  out  at  least  one  Missionary 
to  build  up  new  interests  and  sustain  feeble  churches. 

Mr.  Gano's  visit  is  described  by  Elder  Morgan  Edwards, 
as  follows : 

"  On  his  arrival,  he  sent  to  the  ministers  requesting  an 
interview  with  them,  which  they  declined,  and  appointed 
a  meeting  among  themselves  to  consult  what  to  do ;  Elder 
Gano  hearing  of  it,  went  to  their  meeting,  and  addressed 
them  in  words  to  this  effect :   '  I  have  desired  a  visit  from 


44  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

you,  which,  as  a  brother  and  a  stranger,  I  had  a  right  to 
expect,  but,  as  ye  have  refuged,  I  give  up  my  claim  and 
am  come  to  pay  you  a  visit  ;*  with  that  he  ascended  into 
the  pulpit  and  read,  for  his  text,  the  following  words : 
'  Jesus  I  know,  and  Paul  I  know,  but  who  are  ye  V  This 
text  he  managed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  some 
afraid  of  him,  and  others  ashamed  of  their  shyness." 
"Many  were  convinced  of  errors  touching  faith  and  con- 
version, and  submitted  to  examination.  One  minister 
hearing  this,  went  to  be  examined,  and  intimated  to  his 
people,  he  should  return  triumphant ;  Mr.  •  Gano  heard 
him  out,  and  then,  turning  to  his  companion,  said :  "I 
profess,  brother,  this  will  not  do — this  man  has  the  one 
thing  needful  to  seek  ;"  upon  which  the  person  examined 
hastened  home,  and  upon  being  asked  how  he  came  off, 
replied,  '  The  Lord  have  mercy  upon  you,  for  this  North- 
ern minister  has  put  a  rnene,  tekel,  upon  me.'  " 


SANDY    CKEEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  45 


CHAPTER    IV. 

THE    FIRST    SETTLEMENT    OE    BAPTISTS    IN   THE    BOUNDS   OP   THE 
SANDY  CREEK   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 

The  third  company  of  Baptists  that  settled  in  this  state 
was  by  Elder  Shubal  Stearns.  He  was  a  native  of  Bos- 
ton, Mass.,  joined  the  New  Lights  (persons  who  united  in 
the  great  revival  which  accompanied  the  preaching  of  Mr. 
Geo.  Whitefield,  who  was  at  this  time  in  the  United 
States.)  A  very  large  proportion  of  his  converts  became 
Baptists,  in  consequence  of  which,  he  humorously  re- 
marked, "  My  chickens  have  turned  to  ducks !" 

Elder  Stearns  was  baptized  by  Elder  Wait  Palmer,  and 
soon  after  was  ordained  by  Palmer  and  Joshua  Morse,  in 
Tolland,  Conn. 

This  distinguished  man  left  New-England  under  strong 
impressions  that  God  had,  for  him,  a  great  work  south. 
He  first  stopped  at  Opeckon,  in  Berkley  county,  Va.,  where 
he  found  a  Baptist  church,  under  the  care  of  Elder  John 
Garrard. 

Here  he  met  with  his  brother-in-law,  Rev.  Daniel 
Marshal,  who  was  then  a  Pedobaptist,  but  afterwards  be- 
came a  useful  Baptist  minister.  Mr.  Stearns  settled 
awhile  on  Cacapon,  in  Hampshire  county,  Virginia. 
Not  meeting  with  his  expected  success  there,  he  moved  to 
North  Carolina.  Some  of  his  friends  had  preceded  him,  and 
wrote  to  him  of  the  great  destitution  of  preaching  that 
prevailed.     In   some  instances  they  had  rode  forty  miles 


46  A   HISTORY  OF   THE 

to  hear  one  sermon.  Elder  Steams  and  his  party  came  to 
Sandy  Creek,  in  Guilford  (now  Randolph)  county.  Here 
he  made  his  permanent  residence.  The  number  of  fami- 
lies was  eight,  and  the  number  of  Baptists  was  sixteen, 
namely :  Shubal  Stearns  and  wife,  Peter  Stearns  and 
wife,  Shubal  Stearns,  Jr.,  and  wife,  Ebenezer  Stearns  and 
wife,  Daniel  Marshal  and  wife,  Joseph  Breed  and  wife, 
Enas  Stinson  and  wife,  and  Jonathan  Polk  and  wife.  See 
_Semple's  Hist,  of  Va.  Baptists. 

As  soon  as  they  arrived,  they  built  a  small  meeting- 
house, and  these  sixteen  persons  formed  a  church,  and 
chose  Elder  Stearns  for  their  pastor,  assisted  by  Daniel 
:  Marshal  and  Joseph  Breed,  who  were  licensed  preachers." 
—Benedict's  Hist.,  p.  683. 

The  inhabitants  about  this  little  colony,  though  brought 
up  in  the  Christian  religion  (Episcopal),  were  grossly  ig- 
norant of  its  essential  principles.  They  possessed  the  form 
without  the  power  of  godliness  ;  consequently  Stearns  and 
his  party  brought  strange  things  to  their  ears. 

The  doctrine  of  the  new  birth,  as  insisted  on  by  these 
zealous  advocates  for  evangelical  religion,  they  could  not 
comprehend.  Having  always  supposed  that  religion  con- 
sisted in  nothing  more  than  the  practice  of  its  outward 
duties,  they  could  not  comprehend  how  it  should  be  neces- 
sary to  feel  conviction  and  conversion;  and  to  be  able  to 
ascertain  the  time  and  place  of  one's  conversion,  was  in 
their  estimation  wonderful  indeed.  These  points  were 
strenuously  contended  for  by  these  new  preachers. — Bene- 
dict's Hist.,  p.  683. 

Their  manner  of  preaching  was,  if  possible,  much  more 
novel  than  their  doctrines.  They  had  acquired  a  very 
warm  and  pathetic  address,  accompanied  by  strong  gestures, 
and  a  singular  tone  of  voice   (from  which,   perhaps,   the 


SANDY    CKEEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  47 

singing,  or  holy  tone,  of  some  of  their  successors,  originated). 
Being  deeply  affected  themselves  when  preaching,  corre- 
sponding affections  were  felt  by  their  pious  hearers,  which 
was  frequently  expressed  by  tears,  trembling,  screams,  and 
exclamations  of  grief  and  joy.  All  these  they  brought 
with  them  to  their  new  habitation.  At  which  the  people 
were  greatly  astonished,  many  mocked,  but  the  power  of 
God  attending  them,  many  also  trembled.  In  process  of 
time,  some  of  the  inhabitants  became  converts,  and  bowed 
obedience  to  the  .Redeemer's  sceptre.  These,  uniting  with 
the  others,  a  powerful  and  extensive  revival  began,  and 
Sandy  Creek  church  soon  swelled  from  sixtean  to  six 
hundred  and  six  members !  The  work  of  grace  continued, 
other  preachers  were  soon  raised  up  under  their  ministry, 
whose  zealous  and  abundant  labors  were  crowned  with 
great  success.  In  a  few  years  churches  were  scattered  for 
two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north  and  south,  and  Sandy 
Creek  was  the  mother  of  them  all. — Benedict's  Hist,  of 
Baptists,  p.  684. 

By  the  rapid  multiplication  of  churches,  Sandy  Creek, 
which  began  with  sixteen  members,  and  which  had  in- 
creased to  six  hundred  and  six,  was  reduced  in  seventeen 
years  to  fourteen  members !  The  civil  commotions  which 
affected  the  state  also  helped  to  reduce  this  church.  In 
seventeen  years  Sandy  Creek  Church  had  spread  her 
branches  southward  as  far  as  Georgia,  and  eastward  to 
the  Ocean  and  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  northward  to  the 
waters  of  the  Potomac,  increasing  in  seventeen  years  to 
forty-two  churches  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
ministers.  See  Morgan  Edward's  Manuscript  History  of 
the  Baptists  of  N.  C 


48  A    HISTORY   OF    THE 


CHAPTER    V 


THE  REGULAR  BAPTISTS,  COMPRISING  THE  SANDY  CREEK  BAPTIST 
ASSOCIATION,  TOGETHER  WITH  THE  GREAT  BODY  OF  BAPTISTS 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES,  SHOWN  TO  BE  THE  "OLD  SCHOOL,"  OR 
"PRIMITIVE  BAPTISTS."  THEY  ARE  NOT  SECEDERS  FROM  THE 
ANTI-MISSION  BAPTISTS,  OR  PROM  ANY  OTHER  DENOMINATION. 


As  the  idea  obtains  extensively  that  the  Regular 
Baptists  (called  Missionary  Baptists,  as  a  distinction  be- 
tween them  and  the  Anti-mission  Baptists),  are  the  new 
or  seceding  party,  we  will  submit  testimony  that  proves 
the  erroneousness  of  this  idea.  This  wrong  impression 
prevails  merely  from  the  fact  that  the  Anti-mission  breth- 
ren call  themselves  "  Old  School  or  Primitive  Baptists." 
If  a  man  calls  himself  the  elder  son,  it  does  not  make 
him  so,  unless  he  is  actually  the  first  born.  So  it  is  in 
the  case  now  before  us. 

The  opposers  of  missions  style  themselves  "  the  Old 
School,  or  Primitive  Baptists."  That  they  are  properly 
the  New  Baptists,  will  appear  from  the  following  facts  : 

I.  Paul  was  a  missionary,' and  was  sustained  by  the 
churches  while  he  labored  among  the  gentiles  (heathen) 
to  teach  them  the  gospel.  He  says :  "I  robbed  other 
churches,  taking  wages  of  them  to  do  you  service." 
2  Cor.  xi.  7,  8,  9.  That  is,  while  Paul  was  preaching  at 
Corinth,  other  churches  supported  him,  in  the  same  sense 
that  missionaries  are  now  sustained  among  the  heathen. 
Paul  says  to  the  Corinthians  :  "I  have  preached  to  you 


"\ 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  49 

the  gospel  of  God  freely"  v.  7  ;  that  is,  without  cost  to 
you.  "  I  robbed  other  churches,  taking  wages  op  them 
to  do  you  service;"  v.  8.  "And  when  I  was  present 
with  you,  and  wanted,  I  was  chargeable  to  no  man  ;  for 
that  which  was  lacking  to  me  the  brethren  which  came 
from  Macedonia  supplied,"  &c.  v.  9. 

This  is  the  way  that  missionaries  are  now  supported — 
this  must  be  obvious  to  every  unprejudiced  mind. 

In  Acts  xiii.  1,  2,  3,  there  is  an  account  of  the  manner 
of  sending  out  missionaries  to  the  heathen. 

1.  The  Holy  Ghost  directed  the  ministers,  Barnabas 
and  Saul,  to  separate,  &c.  v.  2. 

2.  They  were  set  apart  by  fasting,  prayer,  and  laying 
on  of  hands  ;  v.  3. 

3.  They  were  sent  away  by  the  church.  "  They  sent 
them  away  ;"  v.  3. 

This  is  the  way  that  missionaries  are  now  set  apart,  and 
sent  to  the  heathen. 

Again  Paul  tells  us,  "  It  pleased  God  that  I  (Paul)  might 
preach  among  the  heathen."  Gal.  i.  15,  16.  In  the  2d 
chapter  and  9th  verse,  Paul  tells  us  who  it  was  that  gave 
to  him  and  Barnabas  "  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  that 
they  should  go  unto  the  heathen,"  namely,  James,  Ce- 
phas, and  John. 

From  the  preceding  scriptural  testimony,  it  is  evident — 

1.  That  in  the  apostolic  age  of  the  church  God  called 
and  directed  men  to  preach  to  the  heathen.  Acts  xiii.  2  : 
Gal.  i.  15. 

2.  Funds  were  raised  by  the  churches  for  this  purpose, 
and  paid  as  "  wages"  to  the  missionaries.  2  Cor.  xi.  7, 
8,  9. 

3.  They  were  set  apart  by  fasting,  prayer,  and  laying 
on  of  hands,  and  then  sent  away.     Acts  xiii.  1,  2,  3. 


50  A   HISTORY    OP   THE 

4.  The  right  hand  of  fellowship  was  extended  to  those 
that  were  sent.     Gal.  ii.  9. 

5.  The  Regular  Baptists,  frequently  called  Missionary- 
Baptists,  "  give  the  right  hand  of  fellowship"  to  those  that 
go  out  now  to  "  the  heathen."  The  Anti-mission  Baptists 
give  them  their  left  hand,  that  is,  non-fellowship ;  conse- 
quently they  are  the  new  party. 

A  very  large  proportion  of  the  associations  that  are  now 
calling  themselves  "  Old  School  or  Primitive  Baptists," 
were  previously  committed  to  missions.  This  is  true  of 
the  Kehukee,  Country  Line,  Baltimore,  and  other  associ- 
ations. 

In  1802,  and  for  a  number  of  years  afterward,  the  Ke- 
hukee Association  was  in  favor  of,  and  practised  revival 
measures,  that  they  have  since  repudiated  and  ridiculed. 

Elders  Burkitt  and  Read,  in  their  history  of  this  associ- 
ation, p.  139,  say :  "  The  association  (in  1794)  agreed  to 
appoint  the  Saturday  before  the  fourth  Sunday  in  every 
month,  a  day  for  -prayer-meetings  throughout  the  churches ; 
whereon  all  the  members  of  the  respective  churches  were 
requested  to  meet  at  their  meeting-houses  or  places  of  wor- 
ship, and  there  for  each  of  them,  as  far  as  time  would  ad- 
mit, to  make  earnest  prayer  and  supplication  to  Almighty 
God  for  a  revival  of  religion.'''' 

Again  say  they,  p.  145  :  "  The  ministers  (in  1802)  used 
frequently,  at  the  close  of  worship,  to  sing  a  spiritual  song, 
suited  to  the  occasion,  and  go  through  the  congregation, 
and  shake  hands  with  the  people  while  singing. 

"  The  ministers  usually,  at  the  close  of  preaching,  would 
tell  the  congregation  that  if  there  were  any  persons  who 
felt  themselves  lost  and  condemned  under  the  guilt  and 
burden  of  their  sins,  if  they  would  come  near  the  stage 
and  kneel   down,   they  would  pray  for  them. . . .      The 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  51 

act  of  coming  to  be  prayed  for  in  this  manner,  had  a  good 
effect." 

In  1802  this  body  approved  of  evening  meetings,  espe- 
cially of  night  meetings,  for  revival  purposes.  Elders  Bur- 
kitt  and  Read,  p.  148,  say,  "  Evening  meetings  were  greatly 
blessed ....  In  some  neighborhoods  they  met  once  a  week 
on  an  evening,  and  numbers  would  attend.  Sometimes 
nearly  two  hundred  people  would  rneeL  and  some  would 
come  ten  miles  to  a  night  meeting." 

After  1827  this  body  changed  its  position,  and  condemned 
these  revival  measures  and  meetings. 

From  the  revival  of  missions  in  this  country  to  182G  or 
'27,  the  Kehukee  Association  was  a  missionary  body.  This 
subject  was  brought  forward  for  consideration  by  them  in 
1803. 

In  1804,  Elders  Burkitt,  Ross,  Spivey,  Read,  and  Mc- 
'Cabe,  were  appointed  delegates  to  meet  such  as  might  be 
appointed  by  the  Virginia,  Portsmouth,  and  Neuse  Asso- 
ciations, to  meet  at  Cashie  M.  H.,  Bertie  county,  on 
Friday  before  the  third  Sunday  in  June,  1805,  to  devise 
ways  and  means  to  support  the  missionary  cause.  At  this 
meeting  arrangements  were  made  to  enter  into  a  system  of 
collecting  money  to  aid  missionary  purposes. — See  Bigg's 
History  of  Kehukee  Association,  p.  162. 
/^From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  the  first  missionary  so- 
ciety that  was  organized  in  this  State  was  in  the  bounds 
of  the  Kehukee  Association,  and  its  members  were  mainly 
instrumental  in  its  organization. 

In  1812,  this  association  sent  $3,  in  1813,  $5,  and  in 
1814,  $5,  to  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence  of 
North  Carolina,  for  missionary  purposes. — See  Bigg's  His- 
tory, pp.  190,  Idl,  195,  197. 

In  1817,  "the  association  received  from  the  Secretary 


52  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

fifty  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  a  General  Convention  of 
Baptists  in  the  United  States,  held  in  Philadelphia  in  May, 
1817,  for  which  the  association  returned  thanks." — Bigg's 
History,  p.  208. 

After  the  Kehukee  brethren  turned  Anti-missionary,  and 
thereby  became  the  New  Baptists,  they  were  some  time  in 
getting  a  name  to  suit  them.  They  were  at  first  called 
"  The  Reformed  Baptists  in  North  Carolina,"  and  then 
alternately  "The  Old  Baptists,"  "The  Old  Sort  of  Bap- 
tists," "  Baptists  of  the  Old  Stamp,"  "The  Old  Side  Bap- 
tists," and  finally  they  fixed  upon  the  name  of  "  Primitive 
Baptists."     See  Elder  M.  Bennett's  Review,  p.  8. 

It  was  not  until  1827  that  this  body  took  a  decided 
Anti-missionary  position.  Their  minutes  for  1814  con- 
tain the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  That  we  send  five  dollars  to  the  fund  of  the 
General  Meeting  of  Correspondence,  by  the  hands  of  Elder* 
Philimon  Bennett." 

This  Meeting  of  Correspondence  was  a  Missionary  So- 
ciety. 

Again,  the  minutes  for  1814  contain  the  following  ap- 
pointment by  the  Kehukee  Association  : 

"  Elders  Jesse  Read,  William  Lancaster,  Philimon  Ben- 
nett, and  Brother  Bennett  Barrow,  and  in  case  of  his  fail- 
ure, Brother  Elisha  Battle,  are  appointed  delegates  to  the 
next  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence." 

Evidently  the  Kehukee  Association  was  at  that  time  a 
missionary  body. 

Again,  the  circular  letter  for  1814  was  rejected,  and  in- 
stead of  it  the  association  agreed  "  that  they  would  adopt 
a  part  of  the  address  of  the  Baptist  Convention,  held  in 
May  last,  at  Philadelphia,  for  missionary  purposes." 

We  have  now  clearly  shown  that  the  Kehukee  Associ- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  53 

ation,  which,  since  1827,  has  manifested  such  hostility  to 
missionary  institutions,  was  for  a  number  of  years  previous 
to  that  date  a  missionary  body  ;  consequently  they  are  not 
"  the  Primitive"  but  the  New  Baptists.  The  Kegular  or 
Missionaiy  Baptists  are  now  occupying  the  position  that 
the  Kehukee  brethren  did  previous  to  1826  and  '27. 

3.  The  Country  Line  Association,  in  the  days  of  Elders 
William  Brown,  Richard  Graves,  Thomas  Moore,  Barzillai 
Graves,  Stephen  Chandler,  George  Roberts,  David  Law- 
son,  R.  Deshong,  and  W.  Stoval,  was  a  missionary  body. 

In  1821,  this  association  unanimously  adopted  and  print- 
ed a  circular  letter,  which  strongly  advocated  Sabbath 
schools.     The  following  is  an  extract  from  it : 

"  They  [our  children]  may  be  taught  also  in  Sabbath 
schools  ;  an  institution  which  has  been  blessed  of  God  to 
the  salvation  of  many  souls,  both  of  children  and  parents. 
We  earnestly  solicit  your  attention  to  these  schools,  and 
beg  you  to  establish  one  in  every  neighborhood." 

Eleven  years  after  this  they  declared  non-fellowship  with 
Sabbath  schools !  When  were  they  the  Primitive  or  Old 
School  Baptists,  in  1821,  when  they  earnestly  solicited 
attention  to,  and  begged  their  members  to  establish  Sabbath 
schools  in  every  neighborhood,  or  in  1832,  when  they 
declared  non- fellowship  with  Sabbath  schools'? 

The  minutes  of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary  Society 
show  that,  in  1825,  contributions  were  sent  up  from  seven 
churches,  belonging  to  the  Country  Line  Association,  viz. : 
Ebenezer,  Mill  Church,  Country  Line,  Lick  Fork,  Wolf 
Island,  Bush  Arbor,  and  Lynch' s  Creek.  These  are  now 
the  leading  churches  of  the  Country  Line  Association  ! 

In  1817  and  1818,  this  association  sent  messengers  to 
the  North  Carolina  Missionary  Society.  This  is  evident 
from  the  following  extracts  taken  from  their  minutes,  for 
1818   : 


54  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

"  The  messengers  appointed  to  attend  the  General  Meet- 
ing, reported  and  gave  satisfaction." 

"  Received  by  the  hands  of  Brother  Roberts,  the  Fourth 
Annual  Eeport  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions, 
which  was  distributed  among  the  churches." 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  make  collection  on  the 
Lord's  day,  reported  they  had  received  $32  45,  for  which 
a  vote  of  thanks  of  this  body  is  given  to  the  congrega- 
tion for  their  liberality,  and  the  money  placed  in  the  hands 
of  Brother  John  Campbell,  to  be  conveyed  to  the  treas- 
urer of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary  Society." 

"  Brethren  Geo.  Roberts,  John  Landers,  John  Campbell, 
and  Nathan  Williams,  are  appointed  to  attend  the  General 
Meeting  of  Correspondence,  to  meet  in  Fayetteville  in  Au- 
gust next." 

No  association  was  ever  more  fully  committed  to  mis- 
sions than  the  Country  Line  was  in  1818. 

Up  to  1832,  this  body  was  in  regular  correspondence 
with  the  Sandy  Creek  and  Flat  River  Associations,  both 
of  which  are  missionary  bodies. 

In  1816,  the  minutes  of  the  North  Carolina  Baptist 
General  Meeting  show  that  Elders  Geo.  Roberts,  David 
Lawson,  John  Landers,  and  John  Campbell  were  sent  by 
the  Country  Line  Association  to  that  body.  Elder  Geo. 
Roberts  was  chosen  moderator  of  that  meeting. 

That  the  ministers  and  churches  of  the  Country  Line 
Association  were,  previous  to  James  Osbourn's  influence 
among  them,  favorable  to  missions,  &c. ,  is  evident  from  the 
fact  that  in  1816,  '17,  '18,  '19,  and  '20,  there  existed  among 
them  a  benevolent  society,  that  was  encouraged  by  their 
ministers  and  leading  members.  Brother  John  Campbell, 
by  request,  kept  notes  of  the  proceedings  of  these  meetings, 
which  are  entitled  "  Minutes  of  the  Hyco  Female  Cent 
Society."     The  first  meeting  for  the  formation  of  the  so- 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  55 

ciety  was  held  at  Lynch's  Creek  M.  H.,  in  Caswell 
county,  in  October,  1816.  In  March,  1817,  it  met  at 
Bush  Arbor  M  H.  In  March,  1818,  it  met  again  at 
Arbor  M.  H.  In  1819  it  met  at  Grave's  M.  H.  The 
fifth  annual  meeting  was  held  in  September,  1820,  at  Ar- 
bor M.  H.  At  these  meetings,  R.  Dishong,  J.  Landers, 
Barzillai  Graves,  and  Abner  W.  Clopton  preached  ;  Elder 
S.  Chandler  was  appointed  to  preach  the  sermon  at  the 
sixth  annual  meeting.  At  the  formation  of  this  society, 
Elder  Reddick  Dishong  preached  from  Gen.  i.  2  :  "  And 
the  spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters." 

Quite  an  amount  of  money  was  collected  by  this  society, 
and  applied  to  sending  the  gospel  to  the  heathen. 

In  1832,  Elder  James  Osbourn,  of  Baltimore,  was  present. 
Through  his  influence  a  large  majority  of  this  association 
declared  non-fellowship  with  all  the  benevolent  societies 
of  the  day,  and  have  since  assumed  the  name  of  "  The 
Old  School  or  Primitive  Baptists. "  It  is,  however,  a  mis- 
nomer, for  they  were  formerly  the  "  Primitive  Baptists," 
but  by  changing  their  position,  and  instead  of  remaining 
Missionaiy  Baptists  as  they  previously  had  been,  they  be- 
came the  New  Baptists ! 

As  Elder  John  Stadler,  of  the  Country  Line  Associa- 
tion, took  an  active  part  in  bringing  about  the  Anti-mis- 
sion movements  in  that  body,  and  afterward,  it  will  not 
be  inappropriate  to  refer  to  him  while  upon  this  subject. 
He  has  been  the  leading  spirit  of  the  Country  Line  As- 
sociation from  its  becoming  Anti,  to  the  present  time.  He 
has  made  considerable  effort,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Sandy 
Creek  Association,  to  lead  them  into  Anti-ism,  but  has  not 
been  very  successful. 

From  a  letter  written  by  Elder  Stadler,  in  reply  to 
"  A  Friend  of  Truth,"  now  in  the  possession  of  Brother  C. 


oO  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

L.  Teague,    of  Abbot's    Creek,   we   learn   the   following 
facts : 

1.  "  The  missionary  board  was  first  organized  in  the 
Country  Line  Association  in  1792,  on  the  second  day  of 
October ;  then  and  there  the  contributions  amounted  to 
thirteen  pounds,  two  shillings,  one  penny." 

2.  "It  was  not  long  [says  Elder  Stadler]  after  [his  bap- 
tism] before  the  agent,  Elder  E.  T.  Daniell,  came  round 
and  took  up  a  collection,  saying  it  Avas  to  support  travel- 
ling preachers,  &c,  and  I  (Elder  Stadler]  gave  him  fifty 
cents,  and  my  wife  gave  him  twenty-five." 

3.  Elder  Stadler  says  :  "  While  I  was  under  conviction, 
Elder  Campbell  came  to  Bush  Arbor  church,  and  asked 
for  money  to  print  the  Bible  in  other  tongues ;  and  I 
thought  my  day  of  grace  was  gone,  and  that  there  was  no 
mercy  for  me,  and  if  one  dollar  would  pay  for  printing 
one  Bible,  some  one  might  read  it,  and  it  might  stop  them 
before  it  was  too  late." 

4.  Elder  Stadler  "  went  to  every  church"  in  the  bounds 
of  the  Country  Line  Association,  in  order  to  get  them  to 
go  against  missions,  &c. — See  Brother  Teague's  letter,  in 
the  Biblical  Recorder  of  February  3,  1859. 

While  Elder  Stadler  was  under  conviction  and  thought 
his  own  day  of  grace  was  gone,  he  paid  one  dollar  to  the 
Bible  Society  !  Soon  after  his  conversion  and  baptism  he 
paid  fifty  cents,  for  Home  Missions,  to  Elder  R.  T.  Daniell, 
agent  !  ! 

Some  years  after  this,  he  changes  his  position,  and  op-> 
poses  these  institutions,  and  goes  from  church  to  church,  to 
induce  them  to  change  also  !  And  yet,  he  now  claims 
that  he  is  "  A  Primitive  Baptist ! !  " 

When  was  Elder  S.  a  Primitive  Baptist,  when  he  gave 
kis  money  to  Home  Missions,  or  afterward,  when  he  changed 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  57 

and  opposed  missions  ?  Elder  S.  and  his  anti-mission 
brethren,  are  evidently  the  seceding,  or  Neiv  Bajrtists. 

While  Elder. S.  and  others,  were  changing  and  getting 
up  divisions  about  missions,  the  Regular  or  Missionary 
Baptists  went  regularly  on  in  support  of  missions,  conse- 
quently they  are  the  true  "  Primitive  Baptists." 

It  is  a  falsification  of  history,  and  injustice  to  the  Regu- 
lar or  Missionary  Baptists,  whenever  the  Anti-mission  Bap- 
tists are  called  the  "  Old  Side"  or  the  "  Primitive  Bap- 
tists." 

-3.  The  Baltimore  Baptist  Association,  so  famous  for  its 
anti-missionary  character  since  1836,  was,  previous  to  that 
date,  a  missionary  association. 

This  will  fully  appear  from  a  few  extracts  taken  from 
the  minutes  of  that  body. 

In  their  minutes  for  1811  may  be  found  the  following 
resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  recommend  the  fol- 
lowing plan  to  the  churches  in  our  connection,  viz. :  that 
each  church  establish  a  '  mite  society,'  each  member  to 
pay  one  cent  a  week,"  &c. 

In  1814,  the  following  record  is  on  their  minutes : 

"Received  a  corresponding  letter  from  Bro.  Bice,  one 
of  our  missionary  brethren,  on  the  subject  of  encouraging 
missionary  societies,"  &c. 

In  their  minutes  for  1816,  in  their  circular  letter,  they 
say:  "  The  many  revivals  of  religion  which  are  witnessed 
in  various  parts  of  the  country — the  multiplication  of 
Bible  societies,  missionary  societies,  and  Sunday-schools, 
both  in  our  own  and  -foreign  countries,  are  viewed  by  us 
as  strong  indications  of  the  near  approach  of  that  day 
when  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth,"  &c 

4 


58  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 

"  Bro.  Spencer  H.  Cone  was  appointed  to  preach  a 
missionary  sermon  at  our  next  association." 

At  this  meeting  (181G)  the  association  Constituted  itself 
into  a  "  Board  of  Directors,"  on  "  Domestic  Missions," 
and  "  earnestly  recommended  the  churches  to  use  every 
exertion  to  collect  sums  to  advance  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom, and  to  transmit  to  the  Board." 

Again  :  "  The  standing  clerk  was  instructed  to  supply 
the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  For- 
eign Missions  with  a  copy  of  our  minutes  annually." 

In  1817,  "a  committee  was  appointed  for  Domestic 
Missionary  affairs,"  and  Brethren  0.  B.  Brown,  James 
Osboum,  and  Spencer  H.  Cone,  were  appointed  as  Home 
Missionaries. 

"Bro..  Luther  Rice  presented  himself  as  the  messenger 
of  the  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign  Missions,  and  was  cor- 
dially received"  (in  1817). 

Elder  James  Osbourn,  who  afterward  became  a  dis- 
turber of  the  churches,  and  a  leader  in  the  anti-mission 
ranks,  was  present,  and  "  cordially,  received"  Bro.  Bice  I 
and  was  afterward  appointed  a  Home  Missionary  ! 

In  1818,  the  minutes  say  :  "  The  Fourth  Annual  Re- 
port, accompanied  by  a  letter  from  the  secretary  of  the 
Baptist  Board  for  Foreign  Missions,  was  read  ;  the  joyful 
contents  of  which  could  not  fail  to  give  delight,"  &c. 

In  their  minutes  for  1818,  they  call  themselves,  as  the 
Missionary  Baptists  now  do,  "the  Regular  Baptists." 
The  name  "  Old  School,"  or  '"Primitive  Baptists,"  had  not 
then  been  invented. 

In  1827,  the  association  passed  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution  : 

"  Whereas,  Intelligence  has  been  received  of  the  death 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  59 

of  our  much  esteemed  sister,  Ann  II.  Judson,  for  some 
time  past  a  missionary  in  Burmah ;  therefore, 

*'  Resolved,  That  while  we  deeply  regret  this  afflicting 
providence,  Ave  consider  it  as  loudly  calling  upon  our 
brethren  to  be  more  interested  in  the  prosperity  of  that 
mission,  in  which  our  deceased  sister  was  engaged." 

It  was  not  until  1836  that  this  association  took  an 
auti-missionary  position.  At  its  session  for  this  year,  con- 
vened at  the  Black  Eock  M.  H.,  it  declared  non-fellow- 
ship with  missionary  operations  as  follows,  by  a  vote  of 
sixteen  to  nine  : 

"  Whereas,  A  number  of  churches  of  this  association 
have  departed  from  the  practice  of  the  same,  by  following 
cunningly  devised  fables,  uniting  with,  and  encouraging 
others  to  unite  in  worldly  societies,  to  the  great  grief  of 
other  churches  of  this  body,  &c.  ;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  cannot  hold  fellowship 
with  such  churches,"  &c. 

"We  have  shown  that  this  body,  for  a  number  of  years, 
was  in  favor  of,  and  encouraged  what  it  in  1836  calls 
"  cunningly  devised  fables,"  and  "worldly  societies,"  con- 
sequently before  this  non-fellowship  preamble  and  resolu- 
tion, they  were  Begular  Baptists,  engaged  in  benevolent 
efforts,  but  after  this,  they,  by  changing  their  principles, 
became  the  New  Baptists.  They  had  once  practised  the 
things  they  now  condemned.  The  great  body  of  the  Bap- 
tists of  the  United  States  went  on  as  they  had  done  before. 
The  anti-mission  party,  calling  themselves  "  the  Primitive 
Baptists,"  are  but  a  small  portion  of  the  denomination, 
and  yet  it  has  been  said  that  the  Begular  or  Missionary 
Baptists  have  seceded  from  the  Primitive  Baptists !  Who 
ever  heard  before  of  a  body  of  at  least  four  fifths  seceding 
from  one  fifth ! 


60  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

There  never  was  an  organized  body  of  Baptists  in  exist- 
ence that  opposed  missions,  until  since  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century ;  perhaps  not  further  back  than  1820 
or  '25,  and  very  few  until  about  1830. 

The  English  Baptists,  the  Philadelphia  Association,  the 
Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association,  the  Charleston,  and 
many  others,  have  never  been  connected,  either  in  prin- 
ciple or  practice,  with  the  Anti-mission  movement.  As 
long  ago  as  1689  the  English  Baptists  organized  a  benev- 
olent society,  to  raise  a  public  fund  for  the  following 
purposes : 

"  1.  To  communicate  thereof  to  thoie  churches  that  are 
not  able  to  maintain  their  own  ministry,  and  that  their 
ministers  may  be  encouraged  wholly  to  devote  themselves 
to  the  great  work  of  preaching  the  gospel. 

"  2.  To  send  ministers  that  are  ordained,  or  at  least 
solemnly  called  to  preach,  both  in  the  city  (London)  and 
country,  where  the  gospel  hath  or  hath  not  been  preached, 
and  to  visit  the  churches,  &c. 

"  3.  To  assist  those  members  that  are  found  in  any  of 
the  aforesaid  churches,  that  are  disposed  for  study,  having 
inviting  gifts,  and  are  sound  in  fundamentals,  in  attaining 
to  the  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the  languages — 
Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew,  &c." 

This  was  about  as  soon  as  the  Baptists  could  organize 
for  benevolent  effort,  for  soon  after  the  days  of  the  apos- 
tles, until  about  this  time,  they  had  to  hide  in  dens  and 
caves,  and  were  persecuted  to  such  an  extent  that  it  was 
with  difficulty  they  could  preserve  their  existence  as  a  dis- 
tinct denomination. 

The  Baptist  churches,  associations,  and  individuals  that 
are  identified  with  benevolent  effort,  have  never  declared 
non -fellowship  with    those  who   were   opposed  to   them* 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  Gl 

They  have  always  been  willing  to  allow  their  brethren, 
who  differed  from  them  about  religious  societies,  to  exer- 
cise liberty  of  conscience,  give  or  not  to  these  institutions, 
as  they  thought  right.  They  have  always  been  willing 
to  live  in  peace  and  fellowship  with  their  Anti-mission 
brethren.  The  time  is  no  doubt  coming  when  we  shall 
all  again  be  one  body,  having  one  fold  and  one  shepherd, 
working  together  in  the  glorious  cause  of  Christ. 

We  have  now  fully  shown  that  the  Regular  or  Mission- 
ary Baptists  have  not  seceded  from  the  Anti-mission  Bap- 
tists. That  they  have  not  seceded  from  any  other  sect, 
has  been  shown  under  the  first  division  of  this  history,  to 
which  the  reader  is  referred. 


62  A   HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER    VI. 

THE   ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  SANDY  CREEK  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 

The  Sandy  Creek  Association  is  the  oldest  in  this  state, 
and  the  fourth,  in  the  order  of  time,  in  the  United  States. 
It  was  organized  in  1758. 

There  being  several  churches,  and  other  branches  or 
arms  fast  maturing  for  churches,  Elder  Stearns  visited 
them  all,  and  induced  them  to  send  delegates  to  Sandy 
Creek  M.  H.,  in  January,  1758,  when  a  Baptist  Associ- 
ation was  formed,  and  called  "  Sandy  Creek." 

The  churches  represented  in  this  organization  were — 

1.  Sandy  Creek,  situated  in  Guilford  (now  Randolph) 
county. 

2.  Little  River. 

3.  Shallow  Ford. 

4.  Slow  River. 

5.  New  River,  in  Onslow  county. 

6.  Southwest. 

7.  Grassy  Creek,  in  Granville  county. 

8.  Trent,  in  Jones  county,  on  Trent  river. 

9.  Lockwood's  Folly,  in  Brunswick  county. 

Nine  in  all,*  each  one  had  an  arm — that  is  a  company 
of  members — that  held  meetings  somewhere  else,  not  yet 

*  These  are  not  the  original  churches  at  the  organization  of  this  body, 
but  it  was  composed  of  these  in  1771.  Some  of  them  came  in  after  its 
organization. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  63 


organized   into  a  church. V^ The  number  of-. ministers  was 
twenty,  only  seven  of  whom  were  ordained. ) 

These  churches  were  scattered  over  a  great  extent  of 
territory ;  only  one  of  which  now  belongs  to  it,  namely, 
Sandy  Creek,  from  which  it  takes  its  name.  The  rest,  if 
they  still  exist,  are  belonging  to  other  associations. 

[^  For  twelve  years  all  the  separate  Baptists  in  Virginia, 
North  and  South  Carolina,  continued  in  connection  with 
this  association.  )  Its  meetings  were  generally  held  at  no 
great  distance  from  the  place  where  it  originated.  All 
who  could  travelled  from  its  remote  extremities  to  attend 
Its  annual  sessions,  which  were  conducted  with  great  har- 
mony, and  afforded  sufficient  edification  to  induce  them  to 
undertake  with  cheerfulness  these  long  and  laborious  jour- 
neys. By  the  means  of  these  meetings  the  gospel  was  car- 
ried into  many  new  places,  where  the  fame  of  the  Baptists 
had  previously  spread.  As  great  crowds  attended  from 
distant  parts,  mostly  through  curiosity,  many  became 
enamored  with  these  extraordinary  people,  and  petitioned 
the  association  to  send  preachers  into  their  neighbor-  : 
hoods."* 

(  These  pioneer  brethren  have  seldom  been  surpassed  in 
their  evangelical  labors ;  they  gave  themselves  to  the  work 
with  an  amount  of  zeal  and  energy,  and  at  a  sacrifice  that>N 
we  regret  to  say,  is  not  now  manifested  by  their  successors. 

"  At  their  associations  their  chief  employment  wag' 
preaching,  exhortation,  singing,  and  conversation  about 
their  various  exertions  in  the  Redeemer's  service,  the  suc- 
cess which  had  attended  them,  and  the  new  and  prosper- 
ous scenes  which  were  opening  before  them.  These  things 
go  inflamed  the  hearts  of  the  ministers,  that  they  would 

*  See  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists.  ' 


64  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

le  we  the  association  with  a  zeal  and  courage  which  no 
common  obstacle  could  impede."* 

"Would  to  God  that  the  same  could  be  said  of  the  min- 
isters who  now  succeed  them.  If  our  ministers  were  as 
zealous  and  self-sacrificing  as  the  founders  of  this  body, 
there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  procuring  the  services  of  as 
many  itinerant  ministers  and  colporteurs  to  labor  in  our 
bounds  as  we  need.  They  labored  with  little  or  no  com- 
pensation, but  now  a  reasonable  salary  does  not  secure  the 
same  amount  of  ministerial  service.  The  ministers  of  this 
body  are  affectionately  requested  to  institute  a  comparison 
between  their  zeal  and  efficiency  in  the  ministry  and  those 
that  one  hundred  years  ago  occupied  their  present  field  of 
labor. 

Elder  James  Read,  who  was  present,  and  a  member  of 
the  first  meeting  of  this  body,  says  i  "  At  our  first  associa- 
tion we  continued  together  three  or  four  days,  great  crowds 
of  people  attended,  mostly  through  curiosity.  The  great 
power  of  God  was  among  us,  the  preaching  every  day 
seemed  to  be  attended  with  God's  blessing.  We  carried 
on  our  association  with  sweet  decorum  and  fellowship  to 
the  end.  Then  we  took  leave  of  one  another,  with  many 
solemn  charges  from  our  reverend  old  father,  Shubal 
Stearns,  to  stand  fast  unto  the  end." 

At  their  next  meeting  they  were  visited  by  Elder  John 
Gano,  of  whom  we  have  already  spoken.  He  then  re- 
sided in  the  Jersey  settlement,  in  Davidson  county,  N.  C. 
He  was  received  by  Mr.  Stearns  with  great  affection,  but 
as  there  was  a  shyness  and  coldness  between  the  regular 
and  separate  Baptists  at  that  time,  others  treated  Mr. 
Gano  with  coldness  and  suspicion.  All,  however,  were 
forward  to  invite  him  to   preach,  though  they  would  not 

*  See  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists,  p.  685. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  65 

invite  him  to  a  seat  in  the  association.  With  their  invi- 
tation to  preach  he  readily  complied.  Though  his  preach- 
ing was  not  with  the  "  new  light  tones  and  gestures,"  it 
was  in  demonstration  of  the  spirit,  and  with  power.  He 
preached  frequently,  much  to  their  astonishment  as  well 
as  edification.  Their  hearts  were  soon  opened  toward 
him,  and  their  cold  indifference  and  languid  charity  were, 
before  he  left  them,  enlarged  into  a  warm  attachment  and 
cordial  affection.  So  superior  did  his  preaching  talents 
appear  to  them,  that  the  young  illiterate  preachers  said 
they  felt  as  if  they  could  never  attempt  to  preach  again. 
See  Benedict's  Hist,  of  Baptists,' p.  686. 

(The  regulars  and  separates  finally  effected  a  union,  and    \ 
are  now  known  by  the  name  of  "  Regular  Baptists." 

This  association  has  witnessed  many  vicissitudes  of 
prosperity  and  adversity,  and  at  one  time,  says  Benedict, 
"  on  account  of  exercising  too  much  power  over  the 
churches,  it  became  embarrassed  in  its  movements,  and 
very  near  to  extinction." 

[  It  seems  that  the  association  fell  into  a  mistake  as  to 
her  power  and  jurisdiction  over  the  churches.  She  car- 
ried matters  so  far  as  to  leave  hardly  any  power  in  indi- 
vidual churches.  They  admitted  that  complete  power  was 
in  each  church,  but  that  they  could  transfer  it.  This  was 
a  serious  mistake.  Christ  has  placed  in  each  church  all 
the  power  that  he  has  given,  and  they  cannot  transfer  it 
to  any  other  body.  Each  church  is  an  independent  body, 
and  cannot  become  under  bondage  to  any  ecclesiastical 
body  without  offence  to  Christ,  who  is  the  only  lawgiver 
in  Zion.        1 

As  "  in  the  multitude  of  counsellors  there  is  safety," 
advisory  councils,  like  our  associations,  are  admissible. 

The   Sandy  Creek  Association,  for  a  number   of  years 
4* 
• 


c 


66  A   HISTOEY  OF   THE 

after  its  formation,  conducted  its  business  at  its  annual 
sessions  without  a  moderator,  and  so  did  the  Yadkin 
Association.  They  urged  against  the  appointment  of  a 
moderator  that  it  imitated  worldly  assemblies  •  too  much, 
and  was  an  infringement  of  Christian  liberty  to  have  to 
ask  leave  of  the  moderator  when  they  desired  to  speak. 

In  1793,  Eev.  John  Gano,  who  then  resided  in  Ken- 
tucky, visited  the  Yadkin  Association,  and  removed  their 
prejudices,  and  prevailed  upon  them  to  choose  a  modera- 
tor, establish  rules  of  order,  and  conduct  their  business 
with  decorum. 

f  At  what  time  and  by  whose  influence  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association  chose  a  moderator  and  adopted  rules  of  de- 
corum we  have  not  been  able  to  learn.^  Much  valuable 
information  relative  to  the  early  transactions  of  this  body 
is  lost  in  consequence  of  the  book  in  which  its  proceed- 
ings had  been  kept  being  consumed  by  fire  in  a.  d.,  1816 
or  1817. 

Even  as  late  as  a.  d.  1816,  it  was  with  difficulty  that 
the  statistics  of  this  body  could  be  obtained.  Dr.  B. 
Manly,  who  was  clerk  of  this  body  in  1816  and  1817,  in 
a  private  letter  says  :  "  We  had  great  difficulty  in  per- 
suading a  few  of  the  churches,  even  as  late  as  1816,  to 
forward  the  usual  statistics  to  the  association.  They 
had  an  idea  that  God  intended  his  disapprobation  of  that 
by  his  displeasure  against  David  for  numbering  the  peo- 
ple." 

From  this  it  is  evident  that  our  predecessors  were  God- 
fearing men.  This  more  than  compensates  for  their  mis- 
take, in  thinking  that  giving  their  church  statistics  would 
be  offensive  to  God,  because  the  numbering  of  the  people 
by  David  was. 

In  its  early  history,  this  association   held  many  senti- 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  67 

ments  of  a  peculiar  nature  which  do  not  now  prevail. 
u  In  their  laudable  zeal,"  says  Benedict,  "  to  cany  out  to 
the  letter  all  suggestions  of  the  New  Testament  as  to 
Christian  duties,  they  discovered,  in  their  estimation,  the 
nine  following  rites,  viz.  :  Baptism,  the  Lord's  Supper, 
love  leasts,  laying  ou  of  hands  (after  baptism),  washing  of 
feet,  anointing  the  sick,  right  hand  of  fellowship,  kiss  of 
charity,  and  devoting  children.  They  also  retained  the 
office  of  ruling  elders,  eldresses,  and  deaconesses,  and  to 
weekly  communion."     J 

The   custom  of  devoting  children  was  founded  on  the       -. 
circumstance  of  parents  bringing  little  children  to  Christ, 
who  "blessed  them."     Mark  x.  16. 

It  must  not  be  understood,"  continues  Benedict,  "  that 
all  the  churches  in  this  body  were  strenuous,  or  even  uni- 
form, in  the  observance  of  this  long  list  of  rites.     Nor  did 
those  who  maintained  the  whole  of  them  refuse  commu- 
nion with  their  brethren  who  neglected  a  part  of  them.",/ 

This  circumstance  suggests  the  wisdom  of  God,  in 
making  his  churches  independent  bodies.)  If  a  great  con- 
solidated church,  like  the  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  or 
Methodist  (all  of  which  have  articles  of  faith  that  are 
binding  upon  all),  embrace  a  false  sentiment,  it  is  fixed 
permanently  upon  the  whole  body,  by  their  confession  of 
faith.  Whei*e  each  congregation  is  an  independent  church, 
if  a  part  of  the  churches  embrace  erroneous  views,  it  does 
not  disseminate  itself  through  all  the  churches,  and  sooner 
or  later  the  pure  leaven  will  leaven  the  whole  body.  This 
is  strikingly  exemplified  in  the  history  of  the  first  Baptist 
churches  in  the  eastern  part  of  this  state,  as  has  already 
een  shown.  They  for  awhile  admitted  unconverted  per- 
sons to  baptism,  but  were  soon  brought  to  scriptural  views 
and  practice  by  their  brethren  who  had  not  embraced  this 
error. 


68  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

There  are  two  peculiarities  of  the  Baptist  churches,  that 
will  eventually  free  them  from  error,  and  bring  them  to  see 
eye  to  eye,  and  speak  the  same  things  in  Christ,  namely  : 
That  each  church  is  an  independent  hody,  and  that  they 
will  hold  nothing  as  a  tenet  of  faith,  that  has  not  for  it  a 
"  Thus  saith  the  Lord."  They  are  not  shackled  by  a  hu- 
man creed,  and  have  no  Confession  of  Faith,  and  no  Book 
of  Discipline,  but  the  New  Testament. 

During  the  life  time  of  Mr.  Stearns,  an  extraordinary 
revival  prevailed  under  his  ministry.  After  his  death  ex- 
tensive revivals  prevailed,  but  by  death,  removals,  &c, 
this  association  became  very  much  reduced.  At  the  close 
of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  ministers  had  become  few  in 
number,  and  the  churches  small  and  languid,  iniquity 
greatly  abounded,  and  the  love  of  many  had  waxed  cold ; 
but,  toward  the  close  of  the  year  1800,  an  astonishing 
work  of  grace  suddenly  made  its  appearance  in  its  bounds 
and  was  attended  with  new  and  unusual  appearances. — 
See  Benedict's  Hist,  of  Baptists.  This  work  was  not  con- 
fined to  Baptists,  but  also  prevailed  among  Presbyterians 
and  Methodists. 

In  the  progress  of  the  revival  among  the  Baptists,  and 
especially  at  their  camp-meetings  (continues  Benedict), 
there  were  exhibited  scenes  of  the  most  solemn  nature  ; 
and,  in  many  instances,  there  was  heard  at  the  same  time, 
throughout  the  vast  congregations,  a  mingled  sound  of 
prayer,  exhortation,  groans,  and  praise. 

The  fantastic  exercise  of  jerking,  dancing,  &c,  in  a  reli- 
gious way,  prevailed  much  with  the  Methodists  and  Pres- 
byterians toward  the  close  of  the  revival ;  but  they  were 
not  introduced  at  all  among  the  Baptists  in  these  parts  ; 
but  falling  down  under  religious  impressions,  was  frequent 
among  them.      Many  were  taken  with  these  religious  epi- 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  69 

lepsies,  if  we  may  so  call  them,  not  only  at  the  great  meet- 
ings, where  those  scenes  were  exhibited  which  were  calcu- 
lated to  move  the  sympathetic  affections,  hut  also  about 
their  daily  employments ;  some  in  the  fields,  some  in  their 
houses,  and  some  when  hunting  their  cattle  in  the  woods. 
And,  in  some  cases,  people  were  thus  strangely  affected 
when  alone  ;  so  that  if  any  played  the  hypocrite,  with 
others,  (the  exercise  must  have  been  involuntary  and  unaf- 
fected, f  Besides  falling  down,  there  were  many  other  ex- 
pressions" of  zeal,  which,  in  more  moderate  people,  would 
be  considered  enthusiastic  and  wild.    ) 

Mr.  Benedict  says:  "  The  above  relation  was  given  to 
him  by  Rev.  George  Pope,  pastor  of  the  church  at  Abbot's 
Creek,  who  is  a  man  of  sense  and  moderation,  and  who, 
with  many  of  his  brethren,  was  much  tried  in  his  mind, 
and  stood  aloof  from  the  work  at  its  commencement ;  but 
it  spread  so  rapidly  and  powerfully,  that  they  soon  dis- 
covered such  evident  marks  of  its  being  a  genuine  work  of 
grace,  notwithstanding  its  new  and  unusual  appearance, 
that  their  doubts  subsided,  and  they  cordially  and  zealously 
engaged  in  forwarding  and  promoting  it.  Mr.  Pope,  in 
the  course  of  the  revival,  baptized  about  five  hundred  per- 
sons."—Hist,  of  Baptists,  p.  687-88. 

As  the  Baptists  have  been  "  everywhere  spoken  against" 
and  egregiously  slandered  by  their  enemies,  it  may  not 
be  amiss  to  advert  to  a  false  statement  relative  to  the  "War 
of  the  Regulators,"  and  the  Baptists. 

Gov.  Tryon,  is  said  to  have  represented  "  The  Regula- 
tors, as  a  faction  of  Quakers  and  Baptists,  who  aimed  at 
overturning  the  Church  of  England."  This  civil  commo- 
tion, was  not  a  religious  matter.  The  leading  complaints 
of  the  Regulators,  against  the  government  of  Gov.  Tryon, 
of  North  Carolina,  were,  that  "  The  people  had  paid  a  tax 


70  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

of  between  two  and  three  thousand  pounds,  more  than 
would  sink  their  paper  money,  and  yet  about  sixty  thou- 
sand pounds  of  it  remained  unsunk ;  that  civil  officers  and 
lawyers,  extorted  more  than  the  law  allowed  them,  and  yet 
were  not  punished,  but  suffered  to  prosecute  the  complain- 
ers,"  &c.  After  remonsti'ating  without  effect,  and  seeing 
no  prospect  of  redress  of  their  grievances,  they  determined  > 
at  length,  to  make  use  of  more  convincing  arguments  ;  con- 
sequently a  battle  was  fought  on  May  16,  1771,  in  what 
is  now  Alamance  county,  within  the  bounds  of  this  asso- 
ciation, between  two  thousand  Regulators  and  one  thousand 
one  hundred  of  Gov.  Tryon's  troops.  The  Regulators 
were  defeated  and  peace  restored. 

The  next  year,  after  this  event,  Morgan  Edwards,  a  Bap- 
tist minister,  who  was  preparing  a  history  of  the  Baptists, 
visited  this  region  of  country.  He  says  :  "If  the  governor 
said  what  is  here  suggested,  he  must  be  misinformed,  for  I 
made  it  my  business  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  and  can 
aver,  that  among  four  thousand  Regulators,  there  were  but 
seven  Baptists  and  these  were  expelled,  by  the  advice  of  the 
Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association,  at  its  session  in  October, 
1769  (two  years  before  the  battle  of  Alamance).  Their 
decision  was  as  follows;  "If  any  of  our  members,  shall 
take  up  arms  against  the  legal  authority  [of  the  state], 
or  aid  and  abet  them  that  do,  he  shall  be  excommunicated. 
— See  Benedict's  Hist,  of  the  Baptists,  1st  ed.,  vol.  2, 
pp.  115-16. 

It  is  fortunate  for  the  Baptists  that  Mr.  Edwards  visit- 
ed this  country  and  investigated  this  matter,  and  made  a 
record  of  it. 

As  soon  as  the  association,  in  1769,  passed  the  above  reso- 
lution, four  chiefs  of  the  Regulators  (who  we  suppose  were 
Hunter,  G-elaspie,  Husbands,  and  Butlei'),  with  an  armed 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  71 

company,  entered  the  house,  and  "  demanded  if  there  were 
such  a  resolve  entered  into  by  the  association.  The  answer 
was  evasive,  for  they  were  in  bodily  fear.  This  checked 
the  design  [of  the  Regulators]  much,  and  the  author  of  the 
Impartial  Relation  [Husbands]  is  obliged  to  own,  p.  16, 
'  There  [in  Sandy  Creek]  the  scheme  [of  the  Regulators] 
met  with  some  opposition  on  account  that  it  was  too  hot 
and  rash,  and  in  some  things  not  legal,'  "  &c. — Benedict's 
History  of  the  Baptists,  1st  edition,  2d  v.,  p.*  116. 

That  the  Baptists  of  Sandy  Creek  (who,  in  common 
with  Baptists  everywhere,  are  the  enemies  of  oppression) 
were  in  feeling  and  interest  identified  with  the  Regulators, 
there  can  be  no  doubt ;  and  that  they  did  all  that  was  in 
their  power,  as  oppressed  citizens,  to  secure  a  redress  from 
the  civil  grievances  under  which  the  colony  labored,  is  no 
doubt  true.  Nothing,  however,  can  be  further  from  the 
truth  than  the  representation  of  Governor  Tryon,  that  the 
Regulators  were  "  a  faction  of  Quakers  and  Baptists,  who 
aimed  at  overturning  the  Church  of  England."  "The 
four  principals,"  says  Edwards,  "  were  well  known  to  be 
'  of  other  religious  denominations." 

The  opposition  of  the  Regulators  to  the  oppressions  they 
labored  under,  was  a  patriotic  resistance  to  English  tyranny. 
This  resistance  contained  the  germ  of  that  revolution  that 
soon  after  threw  off  forever  English  oppression  from  this 
country. 
I  After  the  defeat  of  the  Regulators,  thousands  of  the  op- 
pressed, seeing  no  hope  of  redress  for  their  grievances, 
moved  into,  and  settled  East  Tennessee.  A  large  portion 
of  these  were  of  the  Baptist  population. 

Sandy  Creek  church,  which,  some  time  previous  to  1771, 
;  numbered  six  hundred  and  six,  was   soon  afterward  re- 
duced to  fourteen  members ! 


72  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

Morgan  Edwards  tells  us,  "  The  cause  of  this  dispersion 
was  the  abuse  of  power,  which  too  much  prevailed  in  the 
province,  and  caused  the  inhabitants  at  last  to  rise  up  in 
arms  and  fight  for  their  privileges ;  but  being  routed,  in 
May  16,  1771,  they  despaired  of  seeing  better  times,  and' 
therefore  quitted  the  province.  It  is  said  fifteen  hundred 
families  departed  after  the  battle  of  Alamance.  To  my 
knowledge,"  continues  Edwards,  "  a  great  many  more  are 
only  waiting  (1772)  to  dispose  of  their  plantations,  in 
order  to  follow  them.  This  is  to  me  an  argument  that 
their  grievances  were  real,  and  their  oppression  great," 
&c. — Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists,  v.  2,  p.  42. 
(  This  emigration  into  East  Tennessee  soon  resulted  in 
the  formation  of  five  Baptist  churches,  which  for  several 
years  belonged  to  the  Sandy  Creek  Association,  but  were 
afterward  organized  into  the  Holston  Association,  which 
is  the  mother  of  the  Tennessee  Association,  and  no  doubt 
of  others  in  that  state.  Elder  Tidance  Lane,  who  has 
already  been  named  as  being  converted  under  the  ministry 
of  Elder  Shubael  Stearns,  was  a  prominent  minister  among 
them.     } 

/  The  great  falling  off  of  members  in  the  Sandy  Creek 
church  was  not  owing  entirely  to  emigration  ;  many  of 
them  were,  no  doubt,  dismissed  to  form  other  Baptist 
churches.  ^The  war  of  the  Regulators  grew  out  of  resist- 
ance to  civil  oppressions,  and  was  not  a  religious  matter. 
For  a  full  confirmation  of  this  statement,  the  reader  is  re- 
ferred to  "  Wheeler's  History  of  North  Carolina,"  under 
the  head  of  the  "  "War  of  the  Regulators,"  "  Herman  Hus- 
bands," "  Randolph,  Alamance,  and  Orange  counties." 

Owing  to  the  part  which  the  Baptists  took  in  this  war, 
an  Episcopal  bishop  of  North  Carolina  (who  has  since 
gone  home  to  mother  Rome)  asserted,  on  a  commencement 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  16 

occasion  at  Chapel  Hill,  some  years  ago,  that  "  the  Bap- 
tists had  persecuted  for  conscience'  sake  !" 

A  more  untruthful  declaration  has  seldom  ever  been 
.nttered.  We  have  already  shown  that  the  Sandy  Oeek 
Association  passed  a  resolution  requiring  the  exclusion 
from  the  churches  of  all  Baptists  who  should  take  up  arms 
against  the  authority  of  the  state.  We  have  also  shown 
how  offensive  the  passage  of  this  resolution  was  to  the 
leaders  of  the  Regulators.  As  a  denomination,  they  took 
no  part  in  this  war ;  as  oppressed  citizens,  in  common  with 
others,  they  desired  redress  for  their  grievances. 

At  this  time  the  Baptists  were  not  allowed  to  solemnize 
the  rites  of  matrimony,  and  were  compelled  by  law  to  pay 
annually  a  tax  to  support  the  Episcopal  clergy.  That  the 
Baptists  desired  redress  for  this  grievance  there  can  be  no 
doubt,  and  avIio  will  say  they  were  not  entitled  to  it  %  Yet, 
as  a  denomination,  they  made  no  appeal  to  arms,  as  has 
been  shown.  But,  suppose  they  had,  would  this  have 
constituted  them  "  persecutors  for  conscience'  sake  V  Most 
assuredly  it  would  not.  When  men  contend  only  for  their 
own  rights,  they  do  no  injury  to  others.  The  Baptists  have 
always  been  the  firm  asserters  and  defenders  of  the  rights 
of  conscience,  and  the  friends  of  civil  and  religious  free- 
dom, but  they  have  never  persecuted  for  conscience'  sake. 
Bishop  Hughes,  in  his  oral  discussion  with  Dr.  Brecken- 
ridge  (p.  521),  says,  "  The  Baptists  have  never  been  guilty 
of  persecution  for  conscience'  sake.  Their  robes  are  as 
yet  unstained  with  this  crime." 


74  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER    VII. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  SANDY  CREEK  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION,  AS  DERIVED 
FROM  THE  MINUTES  OF  THAT  BODY  ;  IN  WHICH  IS  SHOWN,  FOR  EACH 
YEAR,  BY  WHOM  THE  INTRODUCTORY  SERMON  WAS  PREACHED, 
WHO  ACTED  AS  MODERATOR  AND  CLERK,  WHO  PREACHED  ON  SAB- 
BATH, THE  NAMES  OF  CORRESPONDING  MESSENGERS  TO  AND  FROM 
THE  ASSOCIATION,  THE  NUMBER  BAPTIZED,  AND  THE  TOTAL  IN 
FELLOWSHIP,  AND  ALSO  THE  QUERIES,  WITH  THEIR  ANSWERS, 
RESOLUTIONS,  &c,  &c. 

From  its  origin,  in  a.  d.  1758,  to  a.  d.  1805,  we  have 
not  been  able  to  find  any  document  of  the  association. 
From  its  organization  to  1805  its  proceedings  were  never 
printed ;  they  were  recorded  in  a  book  annually,  which 
was  consumed  by  fire  in  the  house  of  Brother  William 
Lightfoot,  which  was  burned  in  1816. 

In  1805,  this  association  convened  at  Chambers  M.  H., 
Montgomery  county,  on  the  26th  day  of  October.  Up  to 
this  time  this  body  had  transacted  its  business  without  a 
moderator,  which  must  have  subjected  them  to  great  in- 
convenience. 

On  motion  of  Elder  John  Culpeper,  which  was  second- 
ed by  Brother  George  Dismeekes,  the  association  "  agreed 
that  in  future  we  have  a  moderator  to  expedite  business." 
Brother  James  Bostick  was  then  appointed  moderator,  and 
Brother  Bryant  Boroughs  was  appointed  clerk. 

The  association,  at  this  time,  was  in  correspondence 
with  the  Charleston,  Yadkin,  Mayo,  and  Neuse  Associ- 
ations. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  I  5 

The  following  queries  were  before  the  association  at  this 
session  : 

1.  From  the  church  at  Richmond  :  "  Shall  the  new  ex- 
ercise, called  dancing,  be  a  bar  to  communion'?" 

Answer  :  "  We  do  not  find  in  God's  word,  nor  can  we 
approbate  it,  but  recommend  the  churches  to  use  great 
tenderness  with  those  who  are  exercised  in  that  way,  be- 
fore they  make  it  a  bar  to  communion." 

During  the  great  revival  that  prevailed  some  three  or 
four  years  previous  to  this  date,  and  that  still  prevailed  to 
some  extent,  falling  down,  jerking,  laughing,  and  dancing, 
accompanied  the  religious  exercises.  These  exercises  pre- 
vailed to  some  extent  among  the  Baptists,  but  more  espe- 
cially among  the  Methodists  and  Presbyterians.  As  a 
general  thing,  these  exercises  were  no  doubt  involuntary. 
At  a  meeting  a  few  miles  from  Hillsborough,  in  Orange 
county,  N.  C,  when  the  dancing  exercise  was  manifesting 
itself,  a  Presbyterian  gentleman,  named  Clarke,  who  was 
bitterly  opposed  to  it,  while  looking  at  the  dancing  exer- 
cise and  denouncing  it,  was  all  of  a  sudden  seized  with  it, 
and  went  with  all  his  might  fully  into  its  exercise.  There 
were,  no  doubt,  many  similar  instances,  but  we  relate  the 
above  because  it  is  well  authenticated. 

Many  pious  persons  Avere  very  much  tried  in  their 
minds  in  relation  to  these  new  and  strange  exercises,  but 
the  most,  if  not  all  of  them,  finally  tolerated  them,  because 
they  saw  that,  notwithstanding  these  things,  there  were 
sufficient  indications  that  there  was  a  genuine  work  of 
grace  among  the  people. 

2.  Query  from  the  church  at  George's  Creek  M.  H. 
(now  May's  Chapel) :  "  Is  it  agreeable  to  God's  word  to 
ordain  a  man  to  the  care  of  a  church,  who  has  not  the 
care  of  a  family  1" 


76  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 

Answer  :  "  Yes,  if  he  be  possessed  with  the  gift  of  gov- 
ernment." 

3.  Query  from  the  same  church  :  "  Is  itinerant  ordina- 
tion consistent  with  gospel  order?" 

Answer  :  "  Not  unless  it  be  on  extraordinary  occasions." 
An  idea  prevailed  among  the  churches  at  this  time,  that 
the  Scriptures  recognized  only  the  ordination  of  those  that 
were  ordained  as  a  pastor  over  a  particular  church.  See 
Acts  xiv.  23  :  "  And  when  they  had  ordained  them  elders 
in  every  church,"  &c.     See,  also,  Titus  i.  5. 

The  Scriptures  also  recognize  the  ordination  of  evange- 
list or  travelling  preachers.  See  Mark  iii.  14,  where  Jesus 
ordained  the  twelve  and  sent  them  out.  Paul  was  an 
ordained  evangelist  preacher  and  apostle.  See  1  Tim.  ii. 
7.  See  especially  Acts  xiii.  3.  See,  also,  the  sending 
out  of 'the  seventy  by  our  Savior. 

4.  Query  from  the  Bear  Creek  church  :  "  What  do  we 
consider  as  a  valid  marriage  between  black  people ;  and  if 
any  marriage  be  valid,  is  it  in  our  fellowship  to  part  them 
on  any  occasion  ?"     Referred. 

An  appropriate  answer  was  given  a  few  years  after- 
ward, as  the  reader  will  soon  see. 

5.  Query  from  Little  River  church  :  "Was  the  devil 
ever  an  angel  of  glory  ?" 

This  query  was  withdrawn  without  an  answer. 

At  this  meeting  the  association  "agreed  to  print  their 
minutes."  From  which  Ave  infer  it  was  never  done  be- 
fore. 

Elder  John  Culpeper  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  cir- 
cular letter,  which  was  printed  with  the  minutes  for  this 
year.  His  subject,  by  request  of  the  association,  was  an 
answer  to  the  following  question:  "How  may  we  cause 
our  light  to  shine  before  men  that  they  may  see  our  good 
works,  and  glorify  our  Father  which  is  in  heaven?" 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  77 

The  association  "  appointed  the  second  Saturday  in  No- 
vember next  (1805)  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  to 
Almighty  God,  to  preserve  us  from  error  and  keep  us  in 
the  truth." 

The  Baptists  at  this  time  were  all  strict  constructionists  ; 
they  then  would  "buy  the  truth  and  sell  it  not."  God's 
word  was  strictly  the  man  of  their  counsel.  There  was 
then  none  of  that  tiroe-serving,  man-pleasing,  and  latitu- 
dinarian  construction  of  God's  word  that  now  prevails. 
Baptists  then  boldly  and  earnestly  contended  for  the  faith 
once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Now  many  of  them  are 
afraid  to  preach  the  whole  truth,  and  defend  their  doc- 
trines and  ordinances,  for  fear  it  will  give  offence  to  those 
who  are  teaching  for  doctrines  the  commandments  of  men. 
Baptists  are  the  stewards  of  God's  word,  and  should  be 
found  faithful  in  its  defence  and  observance. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

Churches.  Names  of  Delegates.  No. 

.    -n     ,     t-..  r-n      -r,      I  Elders  John  Culpeper  and  Armistead  )    nCft 

1.  Eocky  River,  of  Pee  Dee  <      ^„  r  r    .  WSO 

„,,,„,„       ,  J  Elder  George  Pope  and  Isaiah  Sper-  ?    1P- 

2.  Abbott's  Creek <      gin  > 

„    TT    ,                                       (  Isaac    Calloway   and  William  Mc-  ) 
3-  Uwhary \      Gregor \ 

.-,„„,                            <  Elders   Isaac   Teagne  and  B.  Bur-  > 
4.  FaUCre.ek j      oughs \ 

5.JJeo*grf*J3  r  e  e  k    (now  )  John  Riadle 

May  s    Chapel 5 

6.  McLennon's  Creek Jesse  Muse  and  Mark  Phillips 

7.  Beat  Creek S.  Elliott  and  Benjamin  Bagley 

8.  Buffaloe Willis  Wright 

„  <  William  Branton  and  Carver  Armis-  >    nfl 

9.  New  Hope \      tead \    "« 

10.  Fork  of  Little  Paver John  Gilbert  and  Francis  Jordan. . .. 

„  S  Elder  Daniel  Gould    and    Charles   > 

11.  Pee  Dee... \      TiYlan J 


78  A   HISTORY  OF  THE 

Churches.  Names  of  Delegates.  -  No. 

12.  OldJ&wJt* Win.  Hackney  and  Geo.  Dismeekes. 

13.  Rocky  River,  of  Chatham.  Daniel  Hackney  and  David  Teague.^ 

14.  Sandy  Creek Tobias  Moser  and  John  Hudson .... 

15.  Richland  Creek John  Eandall  and  Joseph  Wilson...         57 

16.  Bethlehem Owen  Slaughter  and  James  Bostick.         53 

The  two  last  named  churches  were  constituted  in  1805, 
and  received  into  the  association  at  this  session. 

In  1806,  this  association  met  at  Rocky  River  M.  H.,  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C.  As  its  minutes  have  not  been 
obtained,  no  information  of  its  transactions  can  be  given. 

On  Saturday,  October  24th,  1807,  this  association  con- 
vened at  Unity  M-  H. ,  in  Randolph  county,  N.  C.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  George  Pope, 
Elder  Daniel  Gould  was  chosen  moderator,  Bryant 
Boroughs  was  its  standing  clerk.  The  following  churches 
were  represented  : 

Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

1.  Richland  Creek Montgomery  . . .  \  ^^iain  Wilson, 

c         J        (  Joseph  Wilson. 

2.  PeeDee Anson <  Elder  Daniel  Gould, 

<  Cnarles  Vivian. 

o       ,,,    „,    «      ,  Rowan,  S  Elders  George  Pope, 

3.  Abbott  s  Creek ,         J    •  i       >  <  D  ,  6         J    ' 

(now  Davidson)  (  Peter . 

a      tt       -D-        ir       .  ■         r\  (  Stephen  Justice, 

4.  Haw  River  Mountain .     Orange |  w£m  L  Durh'am< 

5.  Mouth  of  Uwhary ... .     Montgomery.. . .     John  Stewart. 

6.  McLennon's  Creek.. . .     Moore Mark  Phillips. 

7.  Eall  Creek Chatham \  f  dfr. fS^fe^ 

{  Archibald  .McAeil. 

o      t-<    i      rr'..i    t>-.,  tit  (  Francis  Jordan, 

8.  Fork  of  Little  River.  .     Montgomery..  ..<  T,  -g   ,i 

9      C^C-k <>™& iThomScar' 

10-     Sandy  Creek Randolph ^jgffi 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  79 

Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

"■     Timber  Ridge Randolph {gJSgSKg* 

12 .    Buffaloe Guilford Willis  Wright. 

tq      tj„     r>  „  i  rv,„»v.  ™  5  Samuel  Elliott, 

la.     Hear  Creek Chatham <  ,-,     ji^-iru 

{  Randolph  Mabry. 

14.  George's  Creek  ..*....     Chatham William  Brandy. 

15.  Bethlehem Richmond \  °wen  QaMM, 

(  James  BosUck. 

16.  Rocky  River Anson j  gglwm-DaigM, 

17.  Rocky  River Chatham $  David  Teague, 

(  Daniel  Hackney. 

18.  Old  Fork Chatham No  delegates  present. 

For  this  and  the  three  following  years  their  financial 
account  was  kept  in  pounds,  shillings,  and  pence. 

At  this  meeting  Richard  Hensley  attended  as  a  corre- 
sponding messenger  from  the  Country  Line  Association, 
and  Micajah  Thomas  attended  from  the  Raleigh  Associa- 
tion. The  following  query  was  received  and  answered : 
"  What  shall  be  done  with  a  member  who  never  comes 
to  the  communion  table,  notwithstanding  being  often  ad- 
monished to  comply  with  that  duty  V 

Answer  :  "  We  think  it  right  that  the  different  churches 
use  their  liberty." 

The  following  query  was  received  and  answered  :  "  Is 
washing  of  feet  an  ordinance  of  God,  to  continue  in  his 
church  until  Christ's  second  coming  ?" 

Answer  ;   ';  We  think  it  is." 

That  feet  washing  is  a  church  ordinance,  is  the  opinion 
of  but  very  few,  that  it  is  a  command  of  Christ  to  teach 
humility  and  equaliiy,  and  to  be  observed  by  Christians  in 
their  social  intercourse,  is  admitted.  Baptism  and  the 
Lord's  Supper  are  church  ordinances,  and  require  church 
authority  for  their  administration.      Feet  washing  is  to  be 

rformed,  not  by  a  minister,  or  any  other  church  officer, 


1 


«0  A   HISTORY  <OF  THE 

but  by  "  one  another,"  and  may  be  observed  by  Christians 
in  their  individual  capacity. 

Randolph  Mabry  was  appointed  a  corresponding  mes- 
senger to  the  Raleigh  A  ssociation  ;  "VVm.  Brantly,  to  Mayo  $ 
and  Elder  Geo.  Pope  to  Country  Line. 

Brethren  Daniel  Gould,  James  Bostick,  and  William 
Durgan,  were  appointed  to  prepare  rules  of  decorum.  It 
is  probable  that  up  to  this  time,  this  body  had  no  written 
rules  of  orde.r.  For  the  want  of  them,  they  must  have  been 
often  very  much  embarrassed  in  their  proceedings. 

The  circular  letter  was  prepared  by  Brother  Archibald 
McNeil.  His  subject  was,  "  Endeavor  to  keep  the  unity  of 
the  spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace."  It  speaks  favorably  of 
the  head  and  heart  of  its  author. 

In  1808,  this  body  held  its  session  in  October,  at  Haw 
River  Mountain  M.  IL,  Chatham  county,  N.  C. 

Elder  Daniel  Gould  preached  the  introductory  sermon, 
Elder  Robert  T.  Daniel  prayed  at  the  opening  of  business. 

Elder  Geoi'ge  Pope  was  chosen  moderater  and  William 
Brantly  was  appointed  clerk. 

The  following  churches  Avere  represented  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

■%      tt       t>-         tit  /-11.  .u '  5  William  L.  Durham, 

1.  Haw  River   Mountain     Chatham j  Mark  Andrews. 

«      t>        n      t  m.  a.  S  Randolph   Mabry,* 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham \  Shadrack  Weaver. 

„      _. ,  _,    ,                             .-,,    ,,  <  George  Dismeekes, 

3-    Old  Fork Chatham |  Robert  Ward. 

,      „      ,      „      ,  -o     j  1  u  S  David  Patterson, 

4 .    Sandy  Creek Randolph ^  christopher  Swindle*. 

r      -r,       t.                                .  (  Daniel  Gould,t 

5-    Pee  Dee Anson }  Charles  Viyian. 

~      t,  a-  ,                                n    -ir    j  $  Joseph  Cummins, 

6 '    Bllffal° G,lllford \  Charles  Dodson. 

*  Licensed  Ministers.  t  Ordained  Minister. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  81 

JV«o.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

,      „.  ,,      ,  nr     ,.  S  John  Gilbert,* 

7  •    Richland Montgomery . . .  •>  waUam  Cro^der. 

«       i  ul  i,    n  '   i  t>  S  George  Pope,* 

8.  Abbot's  Creek Rowan ^  Charles  Pope.f 

_         ~      ,  ~  (  Thomas  Cales,* 

9.  Cane  Creek...  „....     Orange ^  Bernard  Cates. 

,.      T-,    ,        ,.  T  ...,    t-,.  ,r     ,  (  Jonathan  West, 

10.  Forks  of  Little  River.     Montgomery. .  .  I  Tnomas  T3 utlerJ 

ii      t>     i     -n-  n\    4.1  I  David  Teague, 

11.  Rocky  River Chatham }  Jacob  Teague. 

,.      _,  ,     „      ,  „,    .,  (  William  Brantly.f 

12.  George's  Creek Chatham }  James  Burns. 

ia      t>  j.1.1  t.                               t>-  l         j  5  Owen  Slaughter.* 

18.    Bethlehem Richmond }  james  Bostick. 

? i      ■««•  t  >    <~i      i  Tvr  5  Jesse  Mure, 

14.  McLennon  s  Creek. . .     Moore <  -p,,-  pn:n:ns 

icr      n  n  n      i  /-iu  *i  5  William  Waddill, 

15 .  Fall  Creek Chatham |  EU  Lawler. 

16 .  Timber  Ridge Randolph James  Polk. 

17 .  New  Hope  Mountain. .     Chatham Hezekiah  Harman.f 

W;   R°c^Ri™ A— |j^CciXr'* 

Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  present  as  a  corresponding  mes- 
senger, from  the  Raleigh  Association,  and  Elder  John  Lan- 
ders was  present  from  the  Country  Line  Association. 

The  church  at  Haw  River  Mountain,  on  inquiry  was 
not  found  "  orthodox  in  principle,  or  consistent  with  the 
word  of  G-od  in  practice  ;  the  association  withdrew  from 
them  and  refused  their  members  a  seat."  "  Brethren  Mabry, 
Brantly,  and  Ward,  were  appointed  to  visit  this  church  in 
December,  to  help  them  in.  their  matters  of  difficulty  and 
distress."  At  the  next  association  these  brethren  reported 
that  they  "  attended  and  failed  to  gain  a  union."  The 
association  believing  that  a  number  of  the  members  were 
disorderly  in  principle  and  practice,  recommended  the 
churches  not  to  hold  communion  with  said  members.     As 

#  Ordained  Ministers.  t  Licensed  Ministers. 


82  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

Stephen  Justice  and  his  wife  Anne,  and  Captain  Lacy's 
wife,  were  found  orthodox  and  orderly,  they  were  recom- 
mended to  join  some  other  church  of  the  same  faith  and 
order. 

At  the  next  association  (1810),  the  Haw  JRiver  Moun- 
tain brethren  sent  up  a-  letter,  in  consequence  of  which 
Brethren  Isaac  Teague,  P.  Mabry,  Samuel  Elliott,  and 
Bryant  Boroughs,  were  sent  as  helps,  with  liberty  to  call 
in  others,  to  visit  said  church. 

At  the  next  meeting  of  the  association  (1811),  Elders 
Pope,  Culpeper,  and  Brantly,  were  appointed  to  visit  these 
brethren,  and  if  deemed  expedient,  constitute  them  into  a 
church. 

In  1812,  this  committee  of  ministers  reported  that  they 
were  of  the  opinion  that  there  was  a  reconciliation  among 
the  members  of  that  church,  which  report  was  concurred 
with  by  the  association,  and  Mark  Andrews,  Lysius  Dur- 
ham, and  Wm.  Pickard,  were  received  as  delegates  from 
that  church.  We  suppose  the  church  was  not  reconsti- 
tuted. 
jg-  Elders  Landers  and  Daniel  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

On  Monday,  rules  of  decorum  were  presented  and 
adopted. 

The  church  at  New  Hope  Mountain  presented  a  letter 
by  Hezekiah  Harman,  and  was  received  into  this  associa- 
tion, being  orthodox  in  their  principles. 

Elder  George  Pope  reported  that  he  Avith  other  ministe- 
rial helps,  had  ordained  Owen  Slaughter,  John  Gilbert, 
and  Bennet  Solomon,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

The  circular  letter  was  prepared  by  Elder  D.  Gould. 

The  association  gave  Brother  William  Brantly  two 
pounds,  twelve  shillings,  and  six  pence,  for  going  to  the 
Mayo  Association,  and  gave  two  pounds  and  five  shillings 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  83 

to  Elder  George  Pope,  for  going  to  the  Country  Line  As- 
sociation. This  practice  was  kept  up  for  a  number  of 
years.  Why  has  it  been  abandoned  ?  Is  this  body  less 
able  now  than  then,  to  pay  the  expenses  of  her  messengers 
to  sister  associations  1  She  has  far  more  wealth  now  than 
then — yet  her  messengers  have  to  pay  their  own  expenses. 

The  following  query  from  Richland  church,  was  received 
and  answered :  "  How  shall  Ave  receive  a  member  whose 
church  is  dissolved,  and  the  person  without  a  letter  ?" 

Answer  :    "  By  experience." 

A  query  from  the  church  at  New  Hope  Mountain  reads 
as  follows :  "  Has  a  church  a  right  to  open  her  doors  to 
receive  members  by  experience,  when  she  has  no  pastor  ?" 

Answer  :  "  The  power  is  in  the  church,  but  she  is  not 
organized   to  go    forward   without   a   preacher   present." 

In  1824,  an  affirmative  answer  was  given  to  the  above 
query.  We  understand  the  association  to  mean  the  power 
is  in  the  church,  but  it  is  deemed  inexpedient  for  them  to 
exercise  it  in  receiving  members  without  a  preacher  pres- 
ent. It  is  always  lawful  for  a  church  to  receive  members 
by  letter,  or  experience,  but  the  expediency  of  doing  so, 
without  a  pastor  or  minister  present,  depends  upon  the 
efficiency  of  the  church. 

The  following  query  was  presented  by  the  church  at 
Abbott's  Creek :  "  Is  there  gospel  liberty  for  a  person  to 
marry  his  wife's  sister  1" 

Answer:  "No."  There  is  nothing  said  in  the  New 
Testament  upon  this  subject.  In  the.  Old  Testament  it  is 
said  "Neither  shalt  thou  take  a  wife  to  her  sister,  to  vex 
her,  to  uncover  her  nakedness,  besides  the  other,  in  her  life- 
timer     Lev.  xviii.  18. 

Elder  Gould  presented  the  following  query  :  "  What  is 
a  valid  marriage  among   the  black  people1?" 


84  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 

Answer :  "  When  they  come  together  in  their  former 
and  general  custom,  having  no  [other]  companion." 

Owners  of  slaves  should  use  all  reasonable  and  lawful 
means  to  prevent  them  from  being  separated.  To  effect 
this,  they  should  put  themselves  to  some  inconvenience, 
in  buying,  selling,  or  exchanging,  to  keep  them  together. 
Both  moral  obligation  and  humanity  demand  it. 

The  following  query  was  presented  by  the  chyrch  at 
George's  Creek  :  "  Is  laying  on  of  hands  an  ordinance  to 
be  performed  on  any  members  except  the  officers  of  a 
church  V ' 

Answer:    "Yes." 

This  association,  up  to  this  time,  believed  that  laying 
on  of  hands  should  follow  every  case  of  baptism.  It  was 
not  made  a  test  of  fellowship. 

In  1809,  the  association  met  at  Abbott's  Creek  M.  H., 
in  Rowan  (now  Davidson)  county,  N.  C. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Joseph 
Murphy.  As  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  Shubal  Stearns, 
a  few  incidents  of  his  life  will  not  be  out  of  place.  He 
was  pastor  of  Deep  Creek  church,  in  Surry  county,  N.  C. 
When  Elder  Murphy  became  religious  he  was  very  young, 
and  could  neither  read  nor  write,  afterward  he  applied 
himself  to  study.  "  But  being  possessed  of  a  strong  mind, 
ready  wit,  a  bold  and  fearless  spirit,  and  withal,  a  heart 
filled  with  the  love  of  God  and  man,  he  became  a  very 
useful  and  much  respected  preacher  throughout  an  ex- 
tensive circle  of  churches.  He  was  once  taken  up  in 
Virginia  for  preaching,  and  carried  before  a  magistrate, 
where  he  defended  himself  so  expertly  that  his  accusers 
retired  with  shame,  and  the  magistrate  bade  him  go  about 
his  business.      He  was  once  opposed  by  a  fanatic  of  more 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  85 

effrontery  than  argument,  who  contended  that  Adam,  be- 
fore his  fall,  had  not  a  mortal  body,  but  was  a  pure 
spiritual  being.  A  woman  was  sitting  by,  carelessly  nurs- 
ing her  child,  whose  name  was  Frost.  She  said  to  the 
opposer,  '  I  do  not  see  how  God  could  take  out  a  rib  from 
Adam's  side,  and  close  up  the  flesh  again,  if  he  were  noth- 
ing but  a  spirit.'  'Ah,'  replied  Elder  Murphy,  '  I  think, 
my  friend^  you  are  frost-bitten,  and  will  soon  wither  with- 
out any  arguments  of  mine  !' 

"  Being  once  opposed  by  a  man  who  held  to  the  notion 
of  universal  restoration  [Universalism],  Elder  Murphy  at 
last  replied  :  'I  do  not  see,  sir,  but  you,  on  your  plan, 
make  hell  the  sanctum  sanctorum  of  the  wicked ;  for-  after 
all  the  means  of  the  gospel  have  failed  to  benefit  them, 
they  must  go  to  hell  to  be  made  holy,  and  prepared  for 
heaven  !' "—Benedict's  Hist.  ofBapt.  vol.  2,  pp.  112,  113. 

At  this  meeting,  Elder  George  Pope  acted  as  moderator, 
and  William  Brantly  was  its  clerk. 

The  following  churches  were  represented :  *• 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

i      m.    ,t,    n       ,  Rowan  * j  Elder  Georse  Pope, 

1 .  Abbott  s  Creek (now  Da¥ldson)  }  joseph  Cummins. 


2 .  Lick  Creek Rowan < 

Samuel  Elliott, 


Leonard  Caiton, 
John  Adderton. 


o  t>        n      i  m.  4.x.  S  Samuel  Elliott, 

3 .  Bear  Creek Chatham \  Thomas  McGee> 

i  u  t  i     /-i      i  -»r  5  Mark  Phillips, 

4 .  McLennon's  Creek.   .  Moore |  William  Dowd. 

5 .  New  Hope  Mountain. .  Chatham Elder  Hezekiah  Harman. 

»  ™,„   ',  .-,,    .,  (  Elder  Jesse  Buckner, 

6 '  01d  Fork Chatham ^  William  Hackney. 

t  t>-  vi     j  n      i  ,r     ,  (  Elder  John  Gilbert, 

'■  Richland  Creek Montgomery. ..  |  John  Benton- 

8.  Buffalo  Creek... ..V..  Gmlford }  J^^^ 

9-  TimberBidge Randolph {ggggSS^S? 


86  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

in     -n  ii  ^      i  rcu-*i._/  5  Elder  Tsaac  Teague, 

10 .  Fall  Creek Chatham ^  AUen  BMoc^ 

it     o      j    /-i      i  -oiii  J  Samuel  Moffitt, 

11.  Sandy  Creek Randolph ^  Igaac  Patte,son. 

12 .  Rocky  River Chaiham \  jj^jg  Hackney- 

C  Elder  John  Culpeper, 

13 .  Rocky  River Anson •?  Armisted  Lilly, 


(  Ralph 


14.  Bethlehem Richmond \  ^Ider  °™n  Slaughter, 

(  Edward  Chambers. 

15 .  Fork  of  Little  River . .     Montgomery.. . .  \  £ rancis .  J°rdon' 

D         J        <  Benjamin  Simmons. 

16 .  Mouth  of  Uwhary ....      Montgomery.  . .  j  jS^S**^ 

17 .  Pee  Dee Annon Charles  Yivion. 

18.  George's  Creek Chatham Elder  William  Brantly. 

On  Sunday,  Elders  Slaughter,  Harman,  and  Murphy, 
and  also  Ralph  (a  colored  minister),  preached. 

Elder  Harrnan  was  a  great  hand  at  qnritualizing.  His 
text  on  this  occasion  was :  "  And  one  sea,  and  twelve 
oxen  under  the  sea."  1  Kings,  vii.  44.  This  text  he 
managed  with  great  ingenuity.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted 
that  no  one  has  preserved  a  specimen  of  the  spiritualizing 
sermons  of  that  time  ;  they  would  he  interesting  relics  of 
the  past.  This  kind  of  preaching  was  then  both  common 
and  popular.  He  who  could  display  the  greatest  ingenuity 
in  giving  what  he  conceived  to  he  the  spiritual  meaning 
of  a  text,  was  regarded  by  many  as  the  greatest  preacher. 
Those  who  were  most  expert  at  this  kind  of  sermonizing 
would  hold  an  audience  spell-bound  for  a  considerable  time. 

At  this  association,  corresponding  messengers  were 
present  from  the  Flat  Paver,  Yadkin,  and  Mayo  associations. 

During  the  past  associational  year,  Meiers  George  Pope 
and  Isaac  Teague  set  apart  William  Brantly,  by  ordina- 
tion, to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.      Hezekiah  Har- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  87 

man  was  ordained  to  the  same  office  by  Elders  Jesse  Buck- 
ners,  and  I.  Hicks,  of  the  Raleigh  Association. 

In  answer  to  a  emery  from  Abbott's  Creek  church,  the 
following  answer  was  given  :  "  To  marry  and  make  feast 
on  the  Lord's  day  is  inexpedient." 

Upon  the  request  of  the  church  at  Abbott's  Creek,  in 
future  each  church  was  allowed  to  send  three  delegates, 
instead  of  two,  as  before. 

For  a  number  of  years  this  association  opposed  the  or- 
dination of  any  to  the  ministry  but  settled  pastors.  The 
following  query  was  sent  up  by  the  church  at  Timber 
Ridge  :  "  Whereas,  it  was  answered  in  this  association 
formerly  that  itinerant  oi'dination  was  only  agreeable  to 
gospel  upon  extraordinary  cases — we  desire  to  know  what 
case  shall  be  considered  of  such  a  nature  as  to  admit  of 
itinerant  ordination  I" 

Answer:  "  "When  it  shall  be  clearly  manifested  that  a 
preacher  is  about  to  go  a  place  where  he  might  be  useful, 
and  cannot  conveniently  be  ordained  at  the  place  to  which 
he  is  going." 

An  affirmative  answer  was  given  to  the  following  query 
from  the  church  at  Rocky  River,  Anson  county :  "  Was 
the  laying  on  of  hands,  practised  by  the  apostles,  designed 
to  confirm  persons  in  office,  and  convey  spiritual  gifts  ;  or 
is  it  to  be  continued  and  extended  to  every  member  of  the 
church  ?" 

The  circular  letter  was  prepared  by  Elder  William 
Brantly. 

Elder  William  Brantly  was  appointed  to  petition  the 
General  Assembly  of  North  Carolina  to  exempt  licensed 
preachers  from  mustering. 

Elder  George  Pope  requested  the  privilege  of  having 
printed,  with  the  minutes  of  this  body,  a   libel,  given  him 


88  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 

by  Elisha  Hitchcock,  which  request  was  granted.  This 
was  a  base  and  outrageous  attempt  to  ruin  the  character 
of  a  useful  and  pious  minister  of  the  gospel,  but  the  at- 
tempt recoiled  upon  the  libeller's  own  head.  This  case, 
with  many  others,  shows  how  cautious  we  should  be  in 
believing  evil  and  injurious  reports  of  our  brethren,  what- 
ever the  charge  may  be.  It  is  our  duty  to  regard  them  as 
innocent,  unless  the  charge  is  clearly  proved  by  competent 
testimony.  An  accusation  is  not  to  be  entertained  against 
a  minister  except  it  be  established  by  tivo  or  three  witnesses. 
Paul  says  :  "  Against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation, 
but  before  two  or  three  witnesses."  1  Tim.  v.  19.  Mat- 
thew Henry,  on  this  passage,  says  :  "  This  accusation  is 
not  to  be  received,  unless  supported  by  two  or  three  credi- 
ble witnesses."  Yet  such  is  the  credulity  of  man,  that 
he  too  frequently  credits  criminal  reports,  without  suffi- 
cient testimony,  against  God-fearing  men. 

At  this  meeting  a  letter  of  dismission  was  granted  to  the 
New  Hope  Mountain  church,  to  join  another  association. 

In  1810,  the  association  met  at  George's  Creek  M.  H. , 
in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  on  the  fourth  Saturday  in  Oc- 
tober. The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder 
William  Durgan. 

Elder  Isaac  Teague  was  chosen  moderator ;  Elder  Wil- 
liam Brantly  was  the  clerk. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

1.  Eocky  River '. . .     Anson {  gg^m  Dul'gan' 

2.  Fork  of  Little  Eiver...     Montgomery. . .  i  Thomas  Butler, 

6         -         <  Ignatius  West. 

(Solomon  Davis, 

3.  Abbott's  Creek Rowan <  Archibald  Johnston, 

(  Wheatly  Wright. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  89 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

I  Adam  Moffitt, 
4.    Sandy  Creek Randolph <  Christopher  Swindle, 


Aaron  Moffitt. 

5.  Lick  Creek Rowan I  ™fm  ^&CY> 

I  Charles  Davis. 

(  John  Muse, 

6.  Richland Montgomery. . .  <  William  Crowder, 

(  Miles  Williams. 

C  R.  Mabry, 

7.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  John  Bray, 

(  Samuel  Elliott. 

8.  McLennon's  Creek  . . .     Moore i  £"*  Phw  PS' 

(  Harden  Warner. 

(  Christopher  Vickery, 

9.  Timber  Ridge Randolph <  James  Polk, 

(  Christopher  Swaim. 

10.  Pee  Dee Anson Not  repiesented. 

(  Solomon  Dossett, 

11.  Rocky  River Chatham <  David  Teague, 

I  Robert  Moffitt. 

(  Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

12.  Fall  Creek Chatham <  Bryant  Boroughs, 

(  Lewis  Spinks. 


13.    Bethlehem Richmond. 


James  Bostick, 
John  Harbert. 


14.  Old  Fork Chatham \  £e,orSf  Dismukes, 

(  Robert  Ward. 

i  Peter  Miller, 

15.  Mouth  of  Uwhary. . ..     Montgomery  . .  <  John  Russel, 

(  Pleasant  Eppes. 

(  Elder  William  Brantly, 

16.  George's  Creek Chatham <  Cato  Riddle, 

(  James  Burns. 

,  »     r,  _   rt      i  r>  S  Samuel  Baldwin, 

17.  Cane  Creek Uranse <  -.,     „     .      t-        ' 

c  (  Moses  Austin. 

Elders  R.  T.  Daniel  and  E.  Trice  preached  on  the 
Sabbath. 

The  following  query  received  a  negative  answer : 
"  Would  any  church  in  our  union  act  agreeable  to  gos- 
pel, to  set  a  man  forward  to  preach,  who  believed  in  a 
general  provision,  and  that  all  men  are  equally  alike  called, 
both  them  that  are  saved  and  them  that  are  not  1" 


90  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

This  query  should  have  been  divided,  and  the  first  part 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  latter  part  in  the  neg- 
ative. The  atonement  is  general  in  its  nature ;  that  is,  it 
is  sufficient  for  the  whole  world.  See  2  Cor.  v.  14,  15. 
It  is  special  in  its  application.  "  Who  is  the  Savior  of  all 
men,  especially  of  those  that  believe  f  1.  Tim.  iv.  10.  All 
men  are  called,  but  only  those  effectually  that  believe. 
" Many  are  called  but  few  are  chosen."  Matt.  xx.  16. 
If  all  men  were  operated  upon  to  the  same  extent — if  all 
were  made  to  the  same  extent  willing — by  God's  power,  all 
would  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  "  The  Son 
quickeneth  whom  he  will."  John  v.  21.  "  What  shall 
we  say,  then  ?  Is  there  unrighteousness  with  God"?  God 
forbid  !  For  he  saith  to  Moses,  '  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  compassion  on 
whom  I  will  have  compassion. '  So,  then,  it  is  not  of  him 
that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that 
showeth  mercy."     Bom.  ix.  14,  15. 

The  following  query  was  acted  upon  :  "  Is  the  laying 
on  of  hands  an  ordinance  to  be  performed  upon  any  except 
officers  of  the  church  ?" 

This  query  was  referred  to  the  next  association  ;  at 
which  time  it  was  "left  discretionary  with  the  churches." 
Soon  after  this  the  practice  was  discontinued. 

At  this  meeting  a  circular  letter  was  received  from  the 
Chowan  Association,  and  William  Durgan,  William 
Brantly,  John  Culpeper,  and  James  Bostick,  were  ap- 
pointed to  attend  at  the  Falls  of  Tar  River,  on  Friday 
before  the  second  Lord's  day  in  June,  1811,  to  consult  on 
matters  contemplated  therein. 

The  object  of  this  meeting  was,  we  suppose,  the  promo- 
tion of  "  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence  of  the 
Baptists  of  North  Carolina."     This  we  infer  from  the  fol- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  91 

lowing  items  taken  from  the  minutes  for  the  next  year 
(1811): 

1.  "  The  propriety  of  adopting  the  constitution  of  the 
General  meeting  of  Correspondence  of  the  Baptists  of 
North  Carolina,  was  taken  up  and  adopted,  with  this  ex- 
ception, that  we  contribute  at  discretion. 

2.  "  Elders  George  Pope,  John  Culpeper,  William 
Brantly,  and  Brother  James  Bostick,  were  appointed  mes- 
sengers to#he  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence,  to  be 
held  in  Kaleigh,  on  Friday  before  the  fourth  Lord's  Day 
in  July,  1812." 

This  was,  we  suppose,  the  first  society  formed  in  this 
state  for  missionary  purposes.  It  was  organized  in  1804, 
at  Cashie  M.  H.,  in  Bertie  county,  »N.  C.  See  Bigg's 
History  of  the  Kehukee  Association,  p.  162. 

In  1811,  this  association  met  at  Marshal's  M.  H.,  in 
Anson  county,  N.  C  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  Isaac  Teague.  Elder  George  Pope 
was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  Wm.  Waddill  clerk. 

The  churches  represented  this  year  were  as  follows : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates, 

I  William  Durgan, 

1.  Eocky  Eiver Anson <  Armisterl  Lilly, 

{  William  Crittenden. 

C  Benjamin  Simmons, 

2.  Fork  of  Little  Eiver.. .     Montgomery  ...<  Thomas  Butler, 

(  James  Simmons. 

<  Rowan  \  EMer  GeorSe  PoPe> 

3'    AbhMl'S  °"A I  &ids„»>  j  **£££- 

.     „      ,     ~      ,  -Dili,  *>  David  Patterson, 

4.  Sandy  Creeli Randolph ■>  Wllllam  Priee. 

(  William  Lacy, 

5.  Lick  Creek Rowan <  D.  Eeid, 

(  Thomas  Wiat. 

{  Elder  John  Gilbert, 

6.  Eichland  Creek Montgomery . . .  <  Elias  Butler, 

(  Solomon  Ballard. 


92  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 


No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

(  Randolph  Mabry, 

7.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  M.  McGee, 

(  J.  Bray. 

(  Mark  Phillips, 

8.  McLennon's  Creek. . .     Moore <  William  Dowd, 

(  Eli  Phillips. 

(  Christopher  Swaim, 

9.  Timber  Ridge Randolph <  Joshua  Swaim, 

(  M.  Swaim. 

Elder  D.  Gould, 

10.  Pee  Dee Anson <J  Archibald  Harris, 

Archibald  Cawoway. 

Robert  Moffitt, 

11.  Rocky  River Chatham <  David  Teague, 

*B.  Marley. 

Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

12.  Pall  Creek Chatham 1  William  Waddill, 

Francis  Bullock. 

Elder  0.  Slaughter, 

13.  Bethlehem Richmond ■{  James  Bostick, 

Edward  Chambers. 

George  Dismukes, 

14.  Old  Fork Chatham ^  H.  Harris, 

Absalom  Cain. 

(  Elder  B.  Solomon, 

15.  Mouth  of  Uwhary Montgomery  . . .  <  John  Marbry, 

t  ( Isaac  Calloway. 

(  Elder  William  Brantiy, 

16.  George's  Creek Chatham <  Thomas  Waddill, 

(  Joseph  Brantiy. 

I  Thomas  Cates, 

17.  Cane  Creek Orange \  S.  White, 

(  Elisha  Kirk. 

Ministering  brethren  present  were  Elder  Jesse  Read, 
from  the  Kehukee,  William  Taylor,  Joel  Gulledge,  John 
Culpeper,  John  Muse,  and  Ralph  Freeman. 

Broomly  Cooker  and  Isaac  Wiseman  were  correspond- 
ing messengers  from  the  Yadkin  Association.  Elder  Wil- 
liam Bennet  was  present  with  a  letter  of  correspondence 
from  the  Charleston  Association,  S.  C. 

Elders  George  Pope  and  Jesse  Read  preached  on  the 
Sabbath. 


SANDY    CREEK     BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  93 

A  newly-constituted  church  on  Tom's  Creek  (county  not 
given)  wes  received  at  this  meeting. 

Query  from  the  church  at  Lick  Creek  :  "  Is  it  in  order  for 
a  church  which  is  without  a  pastor,  to  proceed  to  the 
washing  of  each  other's  feet  ?" 

Answer :    "  Yes." 

"  When  is  the  proper  season  for  this  duty,  whether  after 
communion,  or  at  any  other  time  ?" 

Answer  :    "  After  communion,  or  at  any  time." 

As  feet-washing  is  a  social,  and  not  a  church  ordinance, 
it  may  be  practised  at  any  time  when  church  members 
desire  and  find  it  convenient.  It  is  to  be  performed,  not  by 
the  officers  of  a  church,  but  ;'  by  one  another."  That  this 
command  of  Christ  is  to  be  continued  by  Christians  in  their 
individual  capacity,  is  evident,  for  Jesus,  after  having  washed 
his  disciples'  feet,  said  :  "  If  I,  then,  your  Lord  and  Mas- 
ter, have  washed  your  feet ;  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  an- 
other's feet.  For  I  have  given  you  an  example,  that  ye 
should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you."  John,  xiii.  14,  15. 
That  it  was  to  be  observed  by  Christians  in  their  individ- 
ual capacity  is  evident  from  1  Timothy,  v.  10:  "If  she 
have  washed  the  saints'  feet."  From  this  it  is  clear  that 
Christians.in  their  private  capacity,are  to  perform  this  duty. 

This  command  of  the  Savior  has  gone  into  disuse,  be- 
cause it  is  generally  believed  not  to  be  a  church  ordinance. 
This,  however,  is  no  reason  that  it  should  not  be  performed 
by  Christians,  in  their  private  and  social  relations. 

The  circular  letter  published  this  year  was  written  by 
Elder  John  Culpeper. 

Elder  William  Durgan  and  Elder  John  Muse  were  ap- 
pointed corresponding  mesengers  to  the  Charleston  As- 
sociation, S.  C.  Elder  Bennet  Solomon  was  appointed  to 
the  Yadkin  ;  Elder  William  Brantly  and  Ralph  Freeman  to 


Thomas  Butler, 
immons. 


94  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

the  Ealeigh  ;  Brother  David  Patterson  to  Country  Line  ; 
Elder  George  Pope  to  Mayo  ;  and  Elder  William  Brantly 
to  the  Neuse. 

In  1812  the  association  met  at  Fall  Creek  M.  H.  on  the 
fourth  Saturday  in  October.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Elder  John  Culpeper.  James  Bostick 
was  chosen  moderator,  William  Waddill,  clerk. 

The  churches  represented,  were  as  follows  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

(  Elder  John  Culpeper, 

1 .  Eocky  River Anson <  William  Crittenden, 

(  Ralph  Freeman. 

2 .  Fork  of  Little  River- .     Montgomery. . .  \  Thomas 

°        y         {  James  b 

,     »u.~»'r.      t  5Bowan (Elder  George  Pope, 

3 .  Abbott's  Creek }  (         Davidson)  j  iacob  ^ea-ue' 

"■  v  '  (  Aaron  Teague. 

i     t  •  i  n      i.  -d  ^  S  Robert  C.  Davis, 

4.  lack  Creek Rowan }  John  Adderton. 

(  Adam  Moffitt, 

5.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson, 

(  Aaron  Moffitt. 

I  Elder  John  Gilbert, 

6.  Richland  Creek Montgomery. . .  <  William  Sadbury, 

( Joseph  Wilson. 

n    t>      "n      i  ni.„.i  <  Shadrack  Weaver, 

7.  Bear.Creek Chatham }  John  Bray> 

(  William  Dowd, 

8.  McLennon's  Creek...     Moore <  Eli  Phillips, 

( Richard  Upton. 

(  C.  Vickery, 

9.  Timber  Ridge Randolph <  D.  Robins, 

(  Michael  Swaim. 

Pee  Dee                             Anson  J  Elder  Daniel  Gould' 

ree  Dee Anson I  Archibald  Harris. 

t  Benjamin  Marley, 

11 .  Rocky  River Chatham <  Daniel  Hackney, 

(  Henry  Dosset. 

(  Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

12 .  Fall  Creek Chatham <  Bryant  Borough, 

f  Archibald  McNeil. 


10. 


SANDY   CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  95 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates- 

(  Owen  Slaughter, 

13 .  Bethlemem Richmond <  James  Bostick, 

(  Welcome  Usury. 

(  George  Dismukes, 

14.  OldFork Chatham 2  Blake  Brantly. 

f  Absalom  Cain. 

15 .  Mouth  of  Uwhary ....     Montgomery ...{  gg£^ 

C  James  Burns, 

16.  George's  Creek Chatham <  Thomas  Waddill, 

( John  Riddle. 

£  Thomas  Cates, 

17.  Cane  Creek Orange <  John  Jolly, 

(  Thomas  Cates. 

i  Nathan  Riley, 

18.  Tom's  Creek ^  Thomas  Tucker, 

(  James  Badget. 

Elders  George  Pope,  Bartholomew  Fuller  of  the  Ba- 
leigh  Association,  and  William  T.  Brantly  from  South 
Carolina,  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

Nathan  Biley  was  ordained  by  Elders  Pope,  Gilbert, 
and  Solomon,  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  at  Tom's 
Creek. 

Elder  John  Culpeper  reported  that  he  and  the  lamented 
brother  Elder  William  Brantly,  attended  the  Baptist  General 
Meeting  of  Correspondence,  and  that  they  were  of  the 
opinion  that  it  was  calculated  to  promote  the  cause  of  Zion. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Elder 
George  Pope. 

The  following  queries  were  presented  and  answered  : 

1.  Query:  "Is  our  present  mode  of  ordaining  minis- 
ters according  to  the  apostolic  practice,  in  refusing  to 
ordain  any  but  those  who  are  chosen  pastors  of  particular 
churches  ?" 

Answer  :  "  It  is  not  the  opinion  of  this  association  that 
ordination  should  be  confined  exclusively  to  those  who  are 
appointed  over  particular  churches." 


96  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

2.  Query:  "Is  it  right  for  a  member  of  the  Baptist 
church  to  live  in  the  bounds  of  one  church,  and  hold  his 
membership  in  another  a  distance  off?" 

Answer  :    "No  ;  unless  under  particular  circumstances." 

3.  Query:  "-Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  a  deacon 
to  act  on  trial  before  ordination  ?" 

Answer  :  "  Yes." 

We  can  conceive  of  no  scripture  warrant  for  giving  an 
affirmative  answer  to  the  last  query.  They  certainly  have 
no  right  to  act  as  deacons,  until  they  are  such  by  ordina- 
tion.   Acts,  vi.  6. 

Letters  of  Correspondence  were  sent  to  the  Charleston, 
Yadkin,  Raleigh,  Mayo,  Country  Line,  and  Neuse  Asso- 
ciations. 

Elder  John  Gilbert  and  Archibald  McNeal  were  ap- 
pointed to  attend  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence, 
to  be  held  at  the  Falls  of  Tar  River,  on  the  fourth  Sab- 
bath in  July.  A  contribution  of  three  dollars  was  sent  to 
that  meeting.  Ten  dollars  was  paid  to  Elder  J.  Culpeper, 
to  meet  his  expenses  in  attending  the  former  meeting  of 
the  G.  M.  of  Correspondence.  About  the  same  amount 
was  allowed  the  ividow  of  Elder  William  Brantly  for  his 
attendance  at  the  same  meeting. 

The  association,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  Elder 
William  Brantly,  passed  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  feel  deeply  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  loss  we  have  sustained  in  the  death  of 
our  esteemed  brother,  Elder  William  Brantly.  Still  we 
desire  to  ascribe  glory  to  God,  that  unto  us  is  left  the 
cheering  consolation,  that  our  loss  is  his  gain,  and  that 
his  immortal  spirit,  freed  from  its  tenement  of  clay,  has 
gone  to  rivers  of  pleasure  and  delight,  and  to  the  enjoy- 
ment of  that  crown  of  righteousness  which  the  Lord,  the 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  97 

righteous  Judge,  will  give  unto  all  them  that  love  his  ap- ' 
pearing." 

In  1813,  this  body  met  at  Cane  Creek  M.  H.,  Orange 
county,  N.  C.  As  we  could  procure  no  copy  of  the  min- 
utes for  this  year,  no  information  can  be  given  of  its 
transactions  at  that  time. 

In  1814,  this  body  met  at  Cedar  Creek  M.  II.,  Anson 
county,  N.   C. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  John 
Gilbert.  Brother  James  Bostick  was  chosen  moderator, 
William  Waddill  was  Clerk  by  previous  appointment. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.  Churches-  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

(  Elder  George  Pope, 

1 .  Abbott's  Creek Rowan <  Elder  Daniel  Bobbins, 

(  William  Wright. 

(  Elder  Owen  Slaughter, 

2 .  Bethlehem Richmond <  James  Bostick, 

(  Edward  Chambers. 

(  Daniel  Hackney, 

3.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Robert  Moffitt, 

(  Aaron  Aldridge. 

I  Elder  Adam  Moffitt. 

4 .  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  Aaron  Moffitt, 

(  David  Patterson. 

(  John  Hodge, 

5.  Lick  Creek Rowan <  Eli  Carrol, 

I  Robert  Clark  Davis. 

(  Elder  Bennet  Solomon, 

6.  Mouth  of  Uwhary Montgomery. .  .  <  Burrel  Coggin, 

(  Bartlett  Huckabee. 

I  Elder  John  Gilbert, 

7.  Richland  Creek Montgomery. .  .  <  William  Crowder, 

s  (  Joseph  Wilson. 

C  Thomas  Waddill, 

8 .  George's  Creek Chatham <  Thomas  Dowdy, 

(  James  Burns. 

Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

9 .  Fall  Creek Chatham <J  Eli  Lawler, 

Archibald  McNeil. 


98  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 


No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

C  Benjamin  Simmons, 
10.  Fork  of  Little  River  . .     Montgomery. . .  <  John  Lathem, 

(  Johnson  Spenser. 

a-  ™F-k <*«*•» {SSLiSS^ 

(  Alsey  Swain, 

12 .  Timber  Ridge Randolph <  Michael  Swain, 

( Joel  Phillips. 

(  Nathan  Riley, 

13 .  Tom's  Creek <  David  Goss, 

(  Thomas  Tucker. 

(  John  Bray, 

14.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Brantly  Jones, 

(  Shadrack  Weaver. 

(  Jeremiah  Smith, 

15.  Rocky  River Anson] '<  Elder  Armistead  Lilly, 

(  Elder  Ralph  Freeman. 

16 .  Haw  River  Mountain..    Chatham j  wmiam\reDurham. 

(Elder  Daniel  Gould, 

17.  Pee  Dee Anson <  Charles  Vivion, 

(  Archibald  Harris. 

Elders  Ealph  Freeman, White,  and  George  Pope, 

preached  on  Sabbath. 

A  serious  difficulty  occurred  between  Abbott's  Creek 
church,  of  this  association,  and  the  Cross  Road  church,  of 
the  Mayo  Association,'  which  for  several  years  prevented 
a  correspondence  between  the  two  associations.  After 
much  labor  and  mutual  forbearance,  and  some  concessions, 
the  difficulty  was  amicably  adjusted,  and  correspondence 
resumed. 

The  following  query  was  received  and  acted  upon  : 
"  "What  is  the  gospel  meaning  of  that  oil  spoken  of  by  the 
apostle  James,  with  which  the  sick  are  to  be  anointed  ?" 

Answer:    "Literal  oil." 

Elders  Isaac  Teague,  George  Pope,  and  Nathan  Riley, 
during  the  past  year  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
Daniel  Robbins,  Charles  Pope,  and  Joseph  Morris. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  99 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
Daniel  Gould. 

Letters  of  correspondence  were  sent  to  the  Charleston, 
Raleigh,  Yadkin,  Country  Line,  and  Mayo  associations  ; 
and  Elder  Nathan  Riley,  and  David  Goss,  were  appointed 
to  attend  the  Yadkin  ;  Elders  Mark  Andrews,  John  Gil- 
bert, and  Bennet  Solomon,  were  appointed  messengers  to 
the  next  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence,  and  two  dol- 
lars sent  up  by  them. 

In  1815,  this  association  convened  at  Rock  Spring  M.H., 
in  Chatham,  two  miles  from  Pittsborough,  Oct.  28.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  B.  Solomon. 

Elder  John  Culpeper  was  appointed  moderator;  Wil- 
liam Waddill,  clerk,  by  former  appointment. 

The  following  churches  were  represented : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

i  Elder  John  Culpeper, 

1.  Rock  River Anson -;  William  Crittenden, 

(  William  Benton. 

,  -p        „  i  Elder  Daniel  Bobbins, 

2.  Abbott's  Creek i  f °"a£- "V";  {  Isaac  Odel, 

{  (now  Davidson)  ;  T   r,<-   „    ' 
v  v  (J-  Chipman. 

(  Elder  Owen  Slaughter, 

3.  Bethlehem Richmond <  James  Bostick, 

(  William  Bostick. 

C  Daniel  Hackne5T, 

4.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Henry  Dossett, 

(  David  Teague. 

I  Jacob  Goss, 

5.  Lick  Creek Rowan <  John  Hodges, 

(  Joseph  Hodges. 

i  Elder  Bennet  Solomon, 

6.  Mouth  of  Uwhary  ....     Montgomery.. . .  <  John  Russel, 

(  Gabriel  Russel. 

(  Elder  John  Gilbert, 

7.  Richland  Creek Montgomery <  William  Crowder, 

(  William  M'Lennan. 

C  John  Ma}", 

8    George's  Creek Chatham <  James  Burns, 

(  Thomas  Dowdy. 


100 


A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No.            Churches.  Counties. 

9.    Fall  Creek Chatham  . . 


10.  Fork  of  Little  Eiver...     Montgomery.. 

11.  Old  Fork Chatham 

12.  Timber  Eidge Eandolph 

13.  Tom's  Creek 


14.    Bear  Creek Chatham. 


15.    Haw  Eiver  Mountain..     Chatham. 


16.    Pee  Dee Anson.. 


17.    McLennon's  Creek. . .     Moore. 


18.  Cane  Creek Orange. .  . 

19.  Sandy  Creek Eandolph. 

20.  Lasaters  M.  H Chatham... 

21.  Muddy  Springs 

22.  Tate's  M.  H Chatham... 


Names  of  Delegates. 
(  Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

<  Bryant  Boroughs, 
(  Eli  Lawler. 

j  Thomas  Butler, 
(  Eeuben  Smith. 

Elder  Jesse  Buckner, 
Eobert  Ward, 
George  Dismukes. 

I  Christopher  Vickery, 

<  Christopher  Swaim, 
(  James  Polk. 

C  Willliam  Peacock, 
•?  Thomas  Tucker, 
(  James  Badgett. 

Samuel  Elliott, 
Brantly  Jones, 
John  Burke. 

Eliseus  Durham, 
John  Bailiff, 
Stephen  Justice. 

Elder  Daniel  Gould, 
Jesse  Pritchatt, 
Archibald  Carroway. 

William  Dowd, 
Jesse  Muse, 
Holden  Cox. 

(  John  Workman, 

<  Charles  Cates, 
( John  Eeaves. 

(  David  Patterson, 
\  Aaron  Moffitt. 

(  Elder  Isaac  Hicks, 
\  James  Bynum. 

(  Lewis  Parkam, 
\  John  Holly. 

Elder  Eobert  T.  Daniel, 
George  Williams, 
William  Yates. 


The  three  churches  last  named  were  received  at  this 
meeting.  Elder  E.  Trice  was  present  as  a  corresponding 
messenger  from  the  Raleigh  Association ;  Richard  Martin 
and  Robert  M'Kee  were  present  from  the  Country  Line  ; 
and  Broomlie  Cooker  was  present  from  the  Yadkin. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  101 

Elders  Trice,  Daniel,  and  Culpeper,  preached  on  the 
Sabbath. 

At  this  time  the  association  came  to  an  amicable  di- 
vision, for  convenience.  All  the  churches  on  the  south- 
west side  of  Deep  river  composed  the  new  association,  by 
the  name  of  the  "  Pee  Dee  Association." 

Query  from  the  church  at  Lick  Creek  :  "  If  members 
of  the  church  are  laid  under  censure,  and  afterward  one 
party  considers  them  excommunicated,  and  out  of  fellow- 
ship, and  the  other  party  still  holds  them  in  full  fellow- 
ship, what  shall  be  the  redress   of  the   aggrieved  party  ?" 

Answer:    "  Call  for  help  in  the  neighboring  churches." 

This  is  evidently  the  proper  course  in  all  cases  where 
there  is  serious  difficulty  in  settling  matters  in  a  church. 

Query  from  the  church  at  Fork  of  Little  River  :  "  Is  it 
agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  a  church  to  admit  or  call  in 
the  testimony  of  the  world  against  one  of  her  members  ?" 

Answer:    "  Left  discretionary  with  the  churches." 

"Worldly  testimony  is  always  admissible,  but  should  be 
received  with  caution. 

Query  from  the  church  at  McLennon's  Creek:  "  Does 
the  Lord  forgive  sins  ?"     Answer  :   "  Yes." 

That  such  a  query  as  this  should  be  sent  up  to  an  as- 
sociation, is  a  little  remarkable.  It  was  no  doubt  intended 
to  meet  some  erroneous  view  in  relation  to  this  subject. 
Corresponding  messengers  were  sent  to  the  following  asso- 
ciations :  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel,  and  Daniel  Hackney,  to 
Pee  Dee ;  Elder  Isaac  Hicks,  to  Raleigh ;  Elder  M. 
Andrews,  to  Country  Line ;  George  Dismukes,  to  Flat 
River ;  Joseph  Barbee,  to  Cape  Fear ;  and  Christopher 
Swaim,  to  the  Yadkin. 

Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  and  Robert  Ward  were  sent  as 
messengers  to  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence, 
and  two  dollars  sent  by  them. 


y 


102  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  appointed  to  correspond  with 
the  Boai'd  of  Foreign  Missions  of  the  United  States. 

Elder  Bennet  Solomon  reported  that  he  attended  the 
General  Meeting  of  Correspondence. 

Elders  I.  Teague,  N.  Riley,  and  A.  Moffitt,  reported 
that  they  had  ordained  Christopher  Vickery,  Christopher 
Swaim,  and  Ashley  Swaim,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry. 

James  Badgett  was  ordained  on  the  19th  of  December, 
1814,  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  by  Elders  Nathan 
Riley  and  John  Wilson. 

Up  to  this  time  the  churches  had  never  sent  up  any 
statistical  account  of  their  numbers,  &c.  At  this  meeting 
the  association  recommended  to  the  churches,  in  future,  to 
insert  the  number  of  their  members  and  amount  of  con- 
tributions sent  up,  in  their  letters. 

Elders  Culpeper  and  Solomon  were  each  paid  Jive  dol- 
lars for  attending  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence. 
They  were  also  appointed  to  represent  the  newly-formed 
(Pee  Dee)  Association  in  the  next  General  Meeting  of 
Correspondence,  and  two  dollars  sent  up  by  them. 
j  The  Pee  Dee  Association  was  represented  in  a  mis- 
sionary meeting  before  it  was  organized !  It  is  not  proba- 
ble this  can  be  said  of  any  other  association  in  America. 

The  time  appointed  for  the  Pee  Dee  Association  to  hold 
its  first  session  was  on  Saturday  before  the  third  Lord's 
day  in  October,  1816,  at  Richland  Creek  M.  H.,  Mont- 
gomery. Elder  John  Culpeper  was  appointed  to  preach 
the  introductory  seimon,  and  Elder  Lilly  his  alternate. 

In  1816,  the  Sandy  Creek  Association  met  at  Brush 
Creek  M.  H.,  in  Randolph  county,  N,  C,  on  the  26th  of 
October. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  103 

The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Robert 
T.  Daniel.  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Brother  Basil  Manly  clerk  ;  the  resignation  of  Brother 
William  Waddill,  the  former  clerk,  being  previously  ac- 
cepted. 

By  the  loss  of  the  churches  that  were  dismissed  at  the 
last  meeting,  to  form  the  Pee  Dee  Association,  the  num- 
ber of  churches  was  considerably  reduced.  The  following 
were  represented  this  year  : 


Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


<;cq 


\R.  Mabry. 


10. 


h 


James  Burns ) 

1.    George's  Creek  ... .     Chatham {  Thomas  Beal >    1     50 

Thomas  Waddill ....) 


54 


(R.  Ward ^ 

o     t>     i    ci     •  nu  a.  I  George  Dismukes...  1    ,. 

2.  Bock  Spring Chatham <  Basil  ManTy f  6 

V Elder  J.  Buckner. . .  J 

(  Shadrack  Weaver. .  .  ) 

3.  Bear  Creek Chatham i  John  Bray V   5     72 

(  Samuel  Elliott ) 

I  Daniel  Hackney ) 

4.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Henry  Dossett >    1     26 

(  R.  Moffitt ) 

I  Elder  M.  Andrews. .  ) 

5.  Haw  Riv.  Mountain     Chatham <  Isaac  Kirby >    1     57 

(  William  L.  Durham.  ) 

I  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel..  ) 

6.  Yates'  M.  H Chatham <  Joseph  Barbee >    2     64 

(  Jethro  Yates S 

I  Elder  Adam  Moffitt-.  ) 

7.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson . . . .  >  10     75 

(  Aaron  Moffitt 5 

/'John  Workman ^ 


/  Aaron  Durnam 

Cane  Creek Orange \  r,-  ,      ^ ■  ,  >  3     45 

]  E hsha  Kirk 


I  Elder  I.  Teague. . . 

Fall  Creek Chatham <  B.  Boroughs > 

f  E.  Lawler 

f  Elders  C.  Swaim  .. 

Timber  Ridge Randolph S  M  Iwaim 25 

[c.  Vickery .'.'...'!! 


104  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    jSt* 

/'Elders  C.  Pope ^ 

|  Joseph  Morris | 

11.    Abbott's  Creek Davidson <  D.  Robbins )■       101 

I  Brothers  J.  Odell .. 


{W.  Roper 

12.  N.Hope  Mountain..    Chatham {  ^S^SS^.  |  *     70 

13.  Muddy  Spring Not  represented. 

14.  Lasaters Chatham "  " 

Robert  McKee  and  Reddick  Diskong  were  received  as 
corresponding  messengers  from  the  Country  Line  Associ- 
ation, and  Elder  A.  Lilly  and  James  Bostick  from  the 
Pee  Dee. 

Elder  Luther  Rice  was  invited  to  a  seat  in  the  associ- 
ation as  "  a  representative  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions." 

Elders  L.  Rice,  Hezekiah  Harman,  and  Brethren  James 
Bostick,  B.  Boroughs,  William  Waddill,  the  moderator  and 
clerk,  were  appointed  to  prepare  Articles  of  Faith,  a  con- 
stitution, and  Rules  of  Decorum,  for  this  association.  On 
Monday  the  following  Articles  of  Faith,  &c,  were  read 
and  adopted : 

PRINCIPLES    OF    FAITH. 

Art.  I.  We  believe  that  there  is  only  one  true  and  liv- 
ing G-od  ;  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  equal  in 
essence,  power  and  glory  ;  yet  there  are  not  three  Gods 
but  one  God. 

II.  That  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments 
are  the  word  of  God,  and  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 

III.  That  Adam  fell  from  his  original  state  of  purity, 
and  that  his  sin  is  imputed  to  his  posterity  ;  that  human 
nature  is  corrupt,  and  that  man,  of  his  own  free  will  and 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  105 

ability,  is  impotent  to  regain  the  state  in  which  he  was 
primarily  placed. 

IV.  We  believe  in  election  from  eternity,  effectual  call- 
ing by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  and  justification  in  his 
sight  only  by  the  imputation  of  Christ's  righteousness. 
And  we  believe  that  they  who  are  thus  elected,  effectually 
called,  and  justified,  Avill  persevere  through  grace  to  the 
end,  that  none  of  them  be  lost. 

V.  We  believe  that  there  will  be  a  resurrection  from 
the  dead,  and  a  general  or  universal  judgment,  and  that 
the  happiness  of  the  righteous  and  punishment  of  the 
wicked  will  be  eternal. 

VI.  That  the  visible  Church  of  Christ  is  a  congrega- 
tion of  faithful  persons,  who  have  obtained  fellowship  with 
each  other,  and  have  given  themselves  up  to  the  Lord  and 
>one  another;  having  agreed  to  keep  up  a  godly  discipline, 
.according  to  the  rules  of  the  GospeL 

VII.  That  Jesus  Christ  is  the  great  head  of  the  church, 
.and  that  the  government  thereof  is  with  the  body. 

VIII.  That  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  are  ordi- 
nances of  the  Lord,  and  to  be  continued  by  his  church 
antil  his  second  coming. 

IX.  That  true  believers  are  the  only  fit  subjects  of  bap- 
tism, and  that  immersion  is  the  only  mode. 

X.  That  the  chureh  has  no  right  to  admit  any  but 
regular  baptized  church  members  te  communion  at  the 
Lord's  table* 

CONSTITUTION. 

Aet.  I.  The  association  shall  be  composed  of  members 
not  exceeding  three  from  each  church,  chosen  by  the  dif- 
ferent churches  in  our  union,  best  qualified,  in  their  judg- 
ment, to  represent  them  in  the  association  ;  who,  bypro- 

6 


106  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

during  letters  from  their  respective  churches,  certifying 
their  appointment,  shall  be  entitled  to  seats. 

II.  In  the  letters  from  the  different  churches  shall  be 
expressed  the  number  baptized,  received  by  letter,  re- 
stored, dismissed,  excommunicated,  and  dead,  since  the 
last  association ;  also,  the  total  number  in  fellowship,  to- 
gether with  the  contribution  forwarded. 

III.  Tbe  members  thus  chosen  and  convened  shall  have 
no  power  to  lord  it  over  God's  heritage,  nor  shall  they  in- 
fringe on  any  of  the  internal  rights  of  any  church  belong- 
ing to  the  union,  but  shall  sit  only  as  an  advisory  counsel. 

IV.  The  association  shall  elect  a  moderator  and  clerk; 
the  former  annually,  by  the  suifrages  of  the  members  pres- 
ent ;  the  latter  to  retain  his  office  during  good  behavior. 

V.  The  association  shall  have  power  to  withdraw  from 
any  church  in  her  union,  who  shall  knowingly  and  wil- 
lingly violate  the  constitution,  or  depart  from  the  ortho- 
dox principles  of  religion. 

VI.  Amendments  to  the  above  plan  shall  be  made  only 
by  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  of  the 
association  present. 

RULES    OF    DECORUM. 

I.  The  association  shall  be  opened  and  closed  by  prayer, 
by  the  moderator,  or  some  person  at  his  request. 

H.  The  names  of  the  several  members  of  the  associa- 
tion shall  be  enrolled  by  the  clerk,  and  called  over  as  often 
as  required. 

III.  One  person  only  shall  speak  at  a  time  ;  who,  when 
about  to  speak,  shall  rise  from  his  seat,  and  address  the 
moderator. 

IV.  The  person  speaking  shall  not  be  interrupted,  un- 
less he  deviate  from  the  subject  in  debate,  or  cast  reflec- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  107 

tions  on  some  brother  member  ;  in  which  cases  he  shall  be 
called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  or  by  any  member  of  the 
association. 

V.  No  member,  without  permission,  shall  speak  more 
than  twice  to  one  subject. 

VI.  No  member  may  depart  from  the  association  with- 
out permission. 

VII.  No  member  of  the  association  shall  address  an- 
other by  any  other  appellation  than  that  of  brother. 

VIII.  The  moderator  shall  have  the  same  privilege  of 
speech  as  another  member,  provided  the  chair  be  filled, 
and  when  requisite,  shall  give  the  casting  vote. 

IX.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  association  to  attend  to 
the  request  of  churches  aggrieved  ;  and  shall  give  advice, 
or  send  committees,  especially  appointed,  to  their  assistance. 

X.  Queries,  introduced  by  the  churches,  or  select  com- 
mittees, shall  be  twice  read  before  debated. 

XI.  A  motion  being  made  and  seconded,  shall  be  taken 
under  consideration,  unless  withdrawn  immediately  by  the 
person  who  made  it. 

XII.  Finally,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  moderator  to 
correct  all  impropriety  of  conduct,  such  as  laughing,  talking, 
whispering,  &c.;  and  to  keep  good  order  in  time  of  session. 

Elders  Eice,  Lilly,  and  Daniel,  preached  on  the  Sab- 
bath. 

The  association  recommended  to  the  churches  to  ob- 
serve the  monthly  concert  of  prayer,  on  the  evening  of  the 
first  Monday  in  every  month,  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel. 

The  churches  were  also  recommended,  when  not  sup- 
plied with  preaching,  to  meet  on  the  Lord's  day,  for  prayer 
and  religious  edification.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that 
this  advice  is  not  universally  practised  by  the  churches. 


108  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 

Each  church  was  advised  to  appoint  a  trustee,  to  whom 
the  voluntary  contributions,  that  may  be  made  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel,  should  be  paid,  and  reported  by  said 
trustee  to  each  association. 

The  following  reasonable  and  appropriate  advice  was 
given  :  "  Should  any  church,  or  any  particular  member 
of  a  church,  wish  to  contribute  their  mite  for  those  grand 
purposes  [spread  of  the  gospel],  we  sincerely  hope  that  an 
injury  will  not  be  done  to  the  feelings  of  any  of  our 
brethren." 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
R.  T.   Daniel. 

Elder  Daniel  was  appointed  to  represent  this  body  in 
the  next  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence,  and  two 
dollars  was  sent  up  by  him. 

]  In  1817,  this  association  convened  at  Bear  Creek  M.  H., 
Chatham  county,  on  the  25th  of  October.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Isaac  Hicks. 
Elder  K.  T. .  Daniel  was  appointed  moderator ;  Brother 
Basil  Mardy  was  the  regular  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Pee  Dee,  William  Dowd  and 
Eli  Phillips ;  from  Country  Line,  Elder  Robert  M'Kee 
and  Reddick  Dishong ;  from  the  Charleston,  Elders 
Daniel  M'Ray  and  John  Good. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Brother 
Basil  Manly  ;  j  from  the  minutes,  it  appears  that  it  was 
written  by  Brother  George  Dismukes.  We  have  Brother 
Manly' s  statement  for  the  fact,  that  it  was  written  by 
himself,  he  was  then  only  about  nineteen  years  of  age. 
The  subject  was  "  The  Propriety  of  Religious  Controversy." 
The  future  of  this  distinguished  man  of  God  is  clearly 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  109 

manifested  in  this  circular.  The  following  is  an  extract 
from  it :  "  We  shall  only  refer  you  to  the  word  of  God, 
adopt  this  as  the  standard  for  faith  and  practice,  and 
patiently  examining  its  contents,  with  faithful  prayer  to 
God  for  assisting  and  enlightening  grace,  you  will  cer- 
tainly discover  the  leading  and  important  doctrines  of  the 
gospel.  These  are  truths,  brethren,  worthy  your  most 
cordial  reception.  We  exhort  you  to  keep  them  in  purity, 
as  the  apple  of  your  eye ;  and,  in  the  language  of  the 
apostle,  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints,  for  it  is  mighty  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong- 
holds," &c. 

Twenty-five  copies  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  General 
Convention,  or  of  the  First  Triennial  Meeting  of  the  Baptist 
denomination  in  the  United  States  ;  a  packet  of  the  minutes 
of  the  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence  of  N.  C,  for 
1816  and  1817,  and  a  packet  of  the  minutes  of  the  Caro- 
lina Baptist  Missionary  Society,  were  received  and  equally 
distributed  among  the  churches.  It  was  also  ordered  that 
a  copy  of  each  of  the  minutes  named  above,  be  presented 
to  the  "  Pittsborough  Female  Society  for  Missions,  Foreign 
and  Domestic." 

Elders  Daniel,  Robert  M'Kee,  and  Harman,  preached 
on  the  Sabbath. 

Elder  B.  T.  Daniel  reported,  that,  as  secretary  of  the 
association,  he  had  corresponded  with  Dr.  Wm.  Staughton, 
secretary  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  received 
pleasing  intelligence  of  the  success  everywhere  attending 
their  exertions.  He  also  reported  that  he  attended  the 
General  Meeting  of  Correspondence  of  N.  C.  Brother 
George  Dismukes  reported  that  he  attended  the  Pee  Dee 
Association  as  a  corresponding  messenger. 

Brother  Daniel  Hackney,  trustee  of  Rocky  River  Church 


110  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

reported  $1  50;  Brother  John  Bray,  trustee  for  Brush 
Creek  Church,  reported  $1 ;  and  David  Patterson,  trustee 
of  Sandy  Creek  Church,  reported  $1  50 ;  which  amount, 
together  with  $6  50  received  from  a  public  collection,  was 
given  to  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  to  transmit  to  the  Baptist 
Missionary  Society  of  North  Carolina. 

On  motion,  appointed  Elders  Daniel,  Robbins,  and  H. 
Harman,  messengers  to  the  Pee  Dee  Association ;  Joseph 
Brantly,  to  the  Flat  River ;  Elder  Mark  Andrews,  to  the 
Raleigh ;  Elder  Isaac  Hicks,  to  the  Country  Line ;  Elder 
R.  T.  Daniel  -and  T.  Waddill,  to  the  Charleston  ;  Elder 
R.  T.  Daniel,  William  Lightfoot,  and  Joseph  Brantly,  to 
attend  the  Carolina  General  Meeting  of  Correspondence. 
Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  directed  to  continue  to  correspond 
with  the  secretary  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions. 

In  consequence  of  the  book  of  the  association,  containing 
a  record  of  its  proceedings  at  each  annual  meeting,  and 
other  papers  of  this  body,  being  consumed  by  fire,  each 
church  was  requested  "  to  procure  and  send  to  the  next 
meeting  of  the  association  as  many  of  the  old  minutes  as 
are  to  be  found,  that  a  new  book  may  be  compiled." 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  passed  unani- 
mously at  this  meeting ;  they  speak  well  for  the  heads  and 
hearts  of  the  members  in  attendance. 

"  Whereas,  this  association  view  with  concern  and  re- 
gret, the  custom  existing  among  candidates  for  public 
posts  of  honor  and  profit,  of  distributing  spirituous  liquors 
among  the  people,  in  order  to  enhance  their  own  popu 
larity,  and  influence  the  suffrages  of  their  fellow-citizens 
at  elections  ;  and  whereas  such  a  custom  is  both  rainous 
to  the  morals  and  happiness  of  the  people,  and  dangerous 
to  their  civil  rights  and  liberties — 

"  1.  Resolved,  unanimously,  That  a  person  be  appointed 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  Ill 

to  prepare  a  memorial  to  be  presented  to  the  next  ensuing 
General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  praying 
them  to  enact  a  law  against  this  degrading  evil. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  churches 
of  this  association  to  refuse  their  support  to  any  candidate 
who  shall,  either  himself  or  by  another  person,  distribute 
spirituous  liquors  with  a  view  to  conciliate  the  affections 
of  the  people. 

"  3.  Resolved,  That  this  association  concur  with  their 
brethren  of  the  Flat  River  Association,  in  inviting  all  pro- 
fessing Christians,  and  lovers  of  good  order  and  morality, 
to  lend  their  decided  co-operation  to  avert  the  evils  which 
this  custom  entails  upon  us. 

"  4.  Agreed,  That  Brother  George  Dismukes  wait  upon 
the  legislature  with  the  memorial  of  this  body." 

The  following  churches  were  represented  this  year  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates .     &  §"     2 

l  Thomas  Waddill....  J 

1.  George's  Creek Chatham •?  Thomas  Beal >         58 

(  Joseph  Brantly ) 

(  John  Workman ) 

2.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Elisha  Kirk S    1     60 

(  John  Reeves J 

(  Elder  Dan' [Bobbins,  ) 

3.  Abbott's  Creek Davidson <  Joseph  Spergen >        100 


William  Davies. 


C  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel..  ) 
4.   Tates'M.H Chatham <  George  Williams. ...  >■    1     64 

(  Matthew  Yates ) 


(  Elder  Isaac  Teasue..  ) 

5.  FallCreek Chatham 1  William  WaddilL  ...  }    1     60 

(  Eli  Lawler ) 

(  Elder  Isaac  Hicks. . .  ) 

6.  LasatersM.  H Chatham <  Thomas  Lambeth... .  >■    1     28 

(  Peter  Pickart \ 


(  Daniel  Hackney..  . .  ) 
7.    Rocky  River Chatham <^  Henry  Dossett }         25 


David  Teague. 


112 


A    HISTORY    OF   THE 


Churches. 


8     Bear  Creek. 


Counties. 


Chatham . , 


Names  of  Delegates. 


^  John  Bray.. . . 
<  Joab  Cheek . . 
f  James  Clark. 


9     Sandy  Creek Randolph. 

10*.    Haw  River  Mountrn    Chatham. 


11.  New  Hope  Mount'n.     Chatham.. 

12.  Timber  Ridge Randolph. 

13.  Rock  Spring Chatham  . . 


j  Elder  Adam  Moffit. 
David  Patterson . . . 
William  Reece 

i  Elder  BE.  Andrews. 

Stephen  Justice. . . 

,  Lysias  Durham.  . ... 

.  Elder  Hez.  Harman 

William  Drake 

|  Isaac  Hartsoe 

i  Elder  Chris.  Swaim 

.  James  Pope 

I  Elder  Mich'l  Swaim 

j  Eld.  Sherwood  White 
'  George.Dismuk.es .  . . 
;  William  Liahtfoot. . . 


1     65 


7S 


5    W 


>   1    25 

>I9     8S 


31  765 
Iii  1818,  this  association  convened  at  Abbott's  Creek,, 
Rowan  county  (now  Davidson),  on  the  24th  of  October. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  H. 
Harman.  Elder  Christopher  Vickery  was  chosen  modera- 
tor ;  Brother  Basil  Manly  having  rsent  in  his  resignation,. 
Brother  Isaac  Odell  was  chosen  clerk,  and  Brother  Isaae 
Kirby  assistant  clerk. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No. 


Churches. 


Names  of  Delegates. 


£  Isaac  Odell. . . . 

Abbott's  Creek. ....     Rowan <  John  Chapman. 

(  Solomon  Davis. 


2.    New  Hope  Mount'n     Chatham.. 


Elder  H.  Harman... 
William  Jones 


Elder  M.  Andrews..  1 

3.  Haw  River  Mount'n    Chatham <  W.  L.  Durham > 

Isaac  Kirby J 

Shadrack  Weaver. . .  ) 

4.  Bear  Creek Chatham {  John  Bray > 

W.Phillips \ 


ft 
166 

66 

49 

8    80 


% 

K| 

£ 

1 

85 
55 

3 

C5 

SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  113 


No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     £ 

5.  Rock  Spring Chatham George  Dismukes..  . . 

6.  Fall  Creek Chatham Elder  Isaac  Teague.. 

7.  Mount  Pisgah*....     Chatham Jethro  Yates 

C  Elder  Isaac  Hicks..  ) 

8.  Lasaters Chatham <  Thomas  Lambeth.  ..  S  27 

(  Peter  Pickard ) 

9.  Cane  Creek Orange John  Reeves 55 

C  Elder  T.  D.Mason..  ) 

10.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Daniel  Hackney >  25 

(  D.  Teague ) 

I  Elder  Adam  Moffitt..  ) 

11.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson >    6     81 

(  William  Reece ) 

I  Elders  C.Swaim ) 

12.  Timber  Ridge Randolphe <  C.  Yickery >  25 

f  Ashley  Swaim S 

18  719 

Circular   letters    were   received  from    Dr.    Staushton. 

secretary  of  Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions  ;  and  from  S. 
Trott,  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Domestic 
Missions  in  Kentucky.  A  circular  letter  was  also  received 
from  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  in  New-York,  in  favor 
of  the  education  of  pious  young  men  for  the  ministry. 

Elders  Mark  Andrews,  Thomas  D.  Mason,  and  Heze- 
kiah  Harman,  preached  on  Sabbath. 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  representatives  composing  this  as- 
sociation recommend  to  their  respective  churches  the 
incumbent  duty  of  uniting  in  contributing  to  the  support 
of  Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions,  and  for  the  tuition  of 
pious  young  men  called  to  the  ministry,  and  that  our  sec- 
retary for  Foreign  Missions  correspond  with  Brother  Bald- 
win, agent  of  said  institution  at  the  city  of  New-York,  and 
report  to  the  next  association." 

*  Formerly  Yates'  M.  H. 


114  A    HISTORY   OF    THE 

The  treasurer,  Brother  George  Dismukes,  was  directed 
to  pay  to  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  the  amount  he  had  paid  on  the 
postage  of  letters,  as  corresponding  secretary  of  foreign 
missions.  Brother  Isaac  Odell  was  appointed  secretary  to 
correspond  with  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions. 

This  association,  at  this  time,  was  fully  committed  to 
foreign  and  domestic  missions,  and  to  the  education  of  pious 
young  men,  who  were  called  of  God  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  sent  to  the  following 
associations :  Elder  M.  Andrews  to  Raleigh  ;  John  Bray 
and  Wilkins  Phillips  to  Pee  Dee ;  Elder  A.  Swaim  and 
Joseph  Spergen  to  Yadkin  ;  Elder  M.  Adams  to  Country 
Line  ;  George  Dismukes  and  David  Teague  to  Flat  River. 

In  1819,  this  body  met  at  Tick  Creek  M.  H.,  in  Chatham 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  23d  of  October.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Walke.  Bryant  Boroughs 
was  appointed  moderator,  and  William  Lightfoot  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  Eli  Phillips  and  William  Dowd  from 
Pee  Dee,  and  Elder  Joseph  Copeland  from  Charleston, 
S.  C  Ministering  brethren  present  wereinvited  to  seats. 
Elders  Daniel  and  Walke,  and  Licentiates  Basil  Manly, 

Creath,  T.   Mason,  White,  and  T.  D.   Mason,  took 

seats.  Brethren  Daniel,  Manly,  and  Copeland,  preached 
on  the  Sabbath. 

Query  from  the  church  at  New  Hope  Mountain  :  "  I3 
it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  members  of  churches  to  take 
tickets  in  lotteries  V 

Answer,  unanimously  :   "No." 

Query:  "If  an  ordained  minister,  in  consequence  of 
transgression,  is  removed  from  his  pastoral  office,  and  is 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  115 

excommunicated  by  the  church,  can  such  a  brother  be 
fully  restored  to  the  privileges  of  his  former  station  by  the 
church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  without  the  assistance 
of  a  second  presbytery  to  examine  him  ?" 

Answer :  "  That  the  church  of  which  such  a  brother 
was  a  member,  has  authority,  on  examination,  to  renew 
his  license;  but  when  they  conceive  it  expedient  that  he 
should  administer  the  ordinances,  they  should  call  a  second 
presbytery  to  examine  him  ;  which  examination,  if  satis- 
factory, shall  be  sufficient." 

A  letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Staughton,  correspond- 
ing secretary  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions. 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

"Resolved,  That  the  association  contemplate  with  heart- 
felt pleasure  the  exertions  made  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Board  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  that,  in  answer  to 
their  request,  the  clerk  of  this  association  be  instructed 
to  forward  annually  a  copy  of  our  minutes  as  soon  as 
printed." 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  Elder  I.  Hicks  to  Raleigh ;  Elder  A. 
Swaim  and  Joseph  Spergen  to  Pee  Dee ;  Elders  C.  Swaim 
and  M.  Swaim  to  Yadkin  ;  Elder  H.  Harmon  and  William 
Lightfoot  to  Country  Line ;  Elder  M.  Andrews  to  Flat 
River;  J.  Brantly  to  Charleston;  and  William  Light- 
foot  to  Moriah,  by  letter.  T.  D.  Mason  and  William 
Lightfoot  were  appointed  messengers  to  General  Meet- 
ing of  Correspondence,  and  two  dollars  sent  up  by  them. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  copied  from  the 
jninutes  of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary  Society. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


116  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 


JVo.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


5 


I  Elder  Mark  Andrews  1 

1.  Haw  R.  Mountain . .     Chatham <  Isaac  Kirby >         50 

(  William  L.  Durham.  ) 

{  John  Workman ) 

2.  Cane  Creek Orange {  H.  Baily. >         60 


John  Reeves. 


I  Elder  Chris.  Swaim.  ) 

3.  Timber  Ridge Randolph 1  Elder  Mich'l  Swaim.  >         25 

(  James  Polk ) 

{  Robert  Ward ) 

4.  Rosk  Spring Chatham <  George  Dismukes  ..  >    2     86 

(William  Lightfoot. ..  ) 

(  Elder  H.  Harm  an....  ) 

5.  N.  Hope  Mountain. .     Chatham <  John  Maddon > 

(  William  Drake.      . .  ) 

i  Daniel  Hackney . . . .  ) 

6.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Solomon  Dossett >    1     23 

(  Henry  Dossett j 

(  Elder  Isaac  Hicks. . .  ) 

7.  Lasaters Chatham <  Thomas  Lambeth >         30 

(  Peter  Pickard ) 

(  Elder  Ashley  Swaim  ) 

8.  Abbott's  Creek Rowan <  James  Teague >  12  120 

(  Joseph  Spergen j 

(  Elder  Isaac  Teague..  ) 

9.  Pall  Creek Chatham <  David  Kenneday  . . . .  >    1     50 

(  Bryant  Boroughs ) 

I  Shadrack  Weaver. . .  ) 

10.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  John  Bray   >  12     83 

(Z.  Boroughs ) 

I  George  Williams . . 

11.  Mount  Pisgah Chatham •?  William  Yates )>         64 

(  B.  Harward 


43 


(  James  Burns ) 

12.  George's  Creek Chatham ■;  Joseph  Brantly >    2 

(  Jesse  Petty ) 

(Elder  AdamMoffitt..  )' 

13.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson >    1     81 

f  William  Reece ) 

In  1820,  this  body  met  at  Timber  Ridge  M.  H. ,  in  Ran- 
dolph county,  N.  C-,  on  Friday  before  the  fourth  Lord's 
Day  in  October.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Elder  Nathan  Riley.  Elder  C.  Vickery  was  chosen 
moderator,  and  Isaac  Kirby  clerk. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  117 

Elder  N.  Riley  and  John  Hodge  were  present  from  the 
Pee  Dee  Association,  as  messengers  of  correspondence. 
Elder  Michael  Swairn  took  a  seat  as  a  ministering  brother. 

Query  from  Fall  Creek  :  "  Is  it,  or  is  it  not,  agreeable 
to  the  direction  of  the  apostle,  where  one  not  in  society 
has  given  a  note  to  a  brother  for  a  sum  of  money,  and  has 
given  another  brother  security  thereto,  for  the  brother  to 
whom  the  note  was  given  to  sue  out  a  warrant  and  re- 
cover his  money  by  law  ?" 

Answer  :  "  Sue  the  one  out  of  society,  and  if  the  money 
cannot  be  obtained,  then  bring  the  brother  to  the  church 
for  dealings." 

This  query  and  the  answer  given  to  it  have  reference  to 
1  Cor.  vi.  1,6,  7,  where  going  to  law  with  a  brother  be- 
fore unbelievers  is  forbidden.  No  brother  should  go  to 
law  with  another  brother  of  the  church,  without  first 
bringing  the  matter  before  the  church.  The  only  excep- 
tion to  this  rule  that  should  be  tolerated,  is  where  this  de- 
lay would  subject  a  brother  to  loss. 

The  church  at  Mount  Pisgah  was  granted  a  letter  of 
dismission,  to  join  the  Raleigh  Association. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  Brother  Stephen  Justice  and  John 
Reeves  to  Flat  River ;  Elder  Adam  Moffitt  and  John  Bray 
to  Pee  Dee  ;  Elder  Ashley  Swaim  and  Solomon  Davis  to 
Yadkin  ;  David  Patterson  and  William  Reece  to  Country 
Line  ;  Elder  Isaac  Hicks  to  Raleigh. 

Elder  Christopher  Swaim  and  David  Patterson  were 
appointed  to  attend  the  North  Carolina  General  Meeting 
(for  Missions). 

Elder  Luther  Rice. handed  in  the  sixth  annual  report  of 
the  board  of  managers,  and  a  letter  from  Dr.  William 
Staughton,  corresponding  secretary. 


118  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Elders  Teague,  Moffitt,  and  Riley,  were  appointed  to 
preach  on  the  Sabbath.  After  this  appointment  Elder  L. 
Kice  came  in,  and  was  appointed  to  preach  at  eleven 
o'clock  on  Sunday. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.         Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.      >§  &     ■§ 

I  Elder  Chris.  Swaim..  ) 

1.  Timber  Ridge Randolph I  Elder  Chris.  Vickery.  \         24 

(  James  Polk ) 

(  John  Workman ) 

2.  Cane  Creek Orange •?  Henry  Bailey >         60 

(  John  Reeves j 

Elder  Isaac  Teague.. ) 

3.  Fall  Creek Chatham ^  William  Carr V    1     55 

Eli  Solar ) 


.      A,Wf,      *       ,  jRowan,  (  John  Chipman ) 

4.  Abhott's  Creek . . .  .^  (nQw  D'avidson)  <  Solomon  Davis J.    1  117 

v  v  '  (  Joseph  Spergen J 

(  Nathaniel  McMinis..  ) 

5.  Bear  Creek Chatham -j  Stephen  White >  16    92 

(  Zachariah  Boroughs..  ) 

«•   MountPisgah Chatham {  ^t£SSt, !  \  f2    58 

(  Elder  Adam  Moffitt..  ) 

7.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson. ...  >         79 

(  Wilh'am  Reece ) 

(  Thomas  Dowdy )        ** 

8.  George's  Creek ... .     Chatham <  John  May >    2    59 

(  Thomas  Beal ) 

(  Daniel  Hackney  . . . .  ) 

9.  Rocky  River Chatham <  David  Teague >  25 

(  Henry  Dossett ) 

io-  Bockspii-g ^^-M^t^r.:}    85 

(  Isaac  Kirby ) 

11.   Haw  R.  Mountain. .     Chatham <  Stephen  Justice. ...  >    2     52 

(  George  Patterson... .  ) 

In  1821,  this  body  met  at  Sandy  Field,  in  Orange  county, 
N.  0.|  on  the  26th  of  October.  Elder  Hezekiah  Harman 
preached  the  introductory  sermon.  He  was  also  chosen 
moderator.     Isaac  Kirby  was  the  regular  clerk. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  119 

A  new  church  at  Cajer's  Old  Field,  constituted  by  El- 
ders Harman,  Daniel,  and  Buckner,  was  received  at  this 
meeting. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  received  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  A.  Massey  and  Harrison  Trice,  from 
Flat  River  ;  Elder  Robert  McKee   and  Brother  Martin 
from  Country  Line.      Elder  Ezekiel  Trice  took  a  seat  as  a 
ministering  brother. 

Query  from  the  committee  of  arrangement :  "  Is  it  expe- 
dient for  members  of  the  church  to  exercise  the  office  of 
constable  1" 

Answer  :   "  We  deem  it  lawful  but  not  expedient." 

Query  by  the  same  :  "  Is  a  church  justifiable  to  license 
a  gift  to  preach  the  gospel  ?" 

After  considerable  discussion  this  query  was  laid  over 
until  the  next  association,  at  which  time  it  was  "  answered 
in  the  negative,"  and  the  following  advice  given  :  "  If  a 
young  gift  arises  among  them,  they  should  call  a  presby- 
tery to  examine,  and  if  necessary  to  license."  In  1823,  an 
affirmative  answer  was  given  to  the  above  query. 

It  is  now  universally  conceded  that  the  church  has  the 
right  to  grant  license  to  a  young  gift,  and  also  to  call  to 
ordination,  when  they  think  gifts  are  ready  for  it,  and  in- 
vite a  presbytery  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  was  received  and  read  from  Dr.  Wm.  Staugh- 
ton,  corresponding  secretary  to  the  Board  of  Managers  of 
the  Baptist  General  Convention  of  the  United  States. 

Brother  David  Patterson  reported  that  he  attended  the 
General  Meeting  of  Correspondence  at  Rogers's  Cross 
Roads,  in  Wake  county. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  Elder  Harman  and  William  Lightfoot  to 
Fiat  River  ;   Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  to  Charleston ;  Bryant 


120  A   HISTORY    OF    THE 

Boroughs  and  "William  Waddell  to  Pee  Dee  ;  Joseph  Sper- 
gen  and  Solomon  Davis  to  Yadkin  ;  Elder  Adam  Moffitt 
and  David  Patterson  to  Country  Line;  Elder  Ezekiel 
Trice  and  Stephen  Justice  to  Raleigh. 

An  order  was  made  that  five  dollars  be  paid  annually  to 
the  clerk  for  his  services. 

Brother  William  Lightfoot  was  requested  to  purchase  a 
blank  book,  in  which  to  record  the  proceedings  of  this 
association,  and  that  he  transcribe  the  minutes  from  A.  D. 
1816. 

Elders  Harman,  Trice,  and  Moffitt,  preached  on  Sabbath. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.         Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


!>  S 


K 


(  Joseph  Spergen ) 

1.  Abbott's  Creek Davidson <  Alexander  Thomas..  >    2  113 

(George  Clampett....  ) 

(  Shadrack  Weaver. . .  ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Zacheus  Boroughs. .  >  12  106 

(  Stephen  White ) 

i  John  Workman i 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange..   <  John  Reeves >         50 

(  Abner  Bailiff. S 

(  Jesse  Buckner ) 

4.  Cajer's  Old  Field  . .     Chatham \  Richard  Webster. . .  .  >  24 


Moses  Austin 


^Bryant  Boroughs... 

5-   TallCreek Chatham Ufcg*";  \  \  \  \  \  \  )  50 

(Elder  Isaac  Teague.. 

(  Thomas  Dowdy 

6.   George's  Creek Chatham <  J.  Mav ^         51 

(  J.  Petty 


('Elder  E.  Trice ^ 

7.   Haw  R.  Mountain . .     Chatham 1  Stephe^jStYc'e. '. '. '. '.  \  Y 


Lasaters Chatham }  Mark  Sugg \\\         25 

N.  Hope  Mountain  .     Chatham <  j  Qj:„e     '  "  >    3    61 


^L.  Durham 

Elder  Isaac  Hicks.. 
Mark  Sugg. 

Elder  Hez.  Harman. 


54 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  121 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Na?nes  of  Delegates.    £c     -g 

io-  Bo*,*™, chatham {5s«£S^::::}    22 

f  Elder  R.  T.Daniel..  ) 

11.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  Blake  Brantley >         5T 

(  William  Lightfoot. . .  J 

t  Elder  Adam  Moffitt..  ) 

12.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson. ...  >  79 

(J.  Cox ) 

C  Elder  Chris.  Swaim..  ) 

13.  Timber  Ridge Randolph 1  Michael  Swaim >  24 

(  James  Polk )  

18  716 

In  1822,  this  association  met  at  May's  Chapel,  Chatham 
county,  on  the  26th  of  October.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  delivered  by  Elder  Joseph  T.  Copeland.  Elder 
R.  T.  Daniel  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Brother  William 
Lightfoot  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Flat  River,  Elder  Thomas  Freeman 
and  Willoughby  Hudgins ;  from  Charleston,  Elder  Joseph 
T.  Copeland ;  from  Pee  Dee,  Elder  William  Dowd  and 
Patrick  W.  Dowd. 

A  package  of  the  minutes  of  the  South  Carolina  State 
Convention  (for  Missions)  was  received,  and  the  circular 
appended  was  read.  A  communication  was  received  from 
the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Baptist  denomination' in  the  United  States. 

Elders  Harman,  Copeland,  Daniel,  and  Riddle,  preached 
on  the  Sabbath. 

Elder  Mark  Andrews  was  expelled  from  his  seat  in  the 
association,  as  a  delegate  from  Pleasant  Grove  Church,  and 
the  church  at  Haw  River  Mountain  was  advised  to  recall 
a  letter  of  dismission  which  they  had  previously  given  him. 
He  was  finally  excommunicated  for  disorderly  and  im- 
proper conduct. 


122  A   HISTORY    OF    THE 

Query:  "  If  a  man,  representing  himself  to  be  a  legally- 
ordained  minister  of  the  gospel,  receives  persons  into  the 
church  and  baptizes  them,  but  is  afterward  found  not  to 
be  in  possession  of  proper  credentials,  are  such  persons,  so 
baptized,  to  be  considered  regular  members  of  the  church, 
and  entitled  to  the  privileges  thereof!" 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

If  a  minister  acts  without  church  authority,  his  ministe- 
rial acts  are  invalid.  If  he  be  clothed  with  valid  church 
authority,  his  acts  are  valid,  though  he  may  be  a  bad  man ; 
that  is,  the  validity  of  his  official  acts  depends  upon  his 
being  a  member  of  the  church,  and  clothed  with  ministerial  au- 
thority. If  he  has  no  church  membership,  and  is  without 
ordination,  his  acts  are  invalid. 

Query :  "  Has  a  church  authority  to  forbid  the  consti- 
tution of  a  branch  thereof,  when  that  branch  is,  by  a  pres- 
bytery, deemed  sufficient  to  transact  the  business  of  a 
church  ?" 

Answer:    "It  has  no  authority." 

".  Resolved,  That,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  ordi- 
nation of  persons  who  are  not  sound  in  the  faith  to  the 
ministry,  and  the  constituting  of  churches  built  upon  any 
other  than  the  plan  which  we  conceive  to  be  scriptural, 
that  the  association  annually  appoint  one  or  more  presby- 
teries to  perform  those  functions,  and  that  no  ordination  or 
constitution  will  be  deemed  valid,  unless  performed  by  the 
presbyteries  thus  appointed.  The  churches  are  advised 
to  call  upon  these  presbyteries  when  wanted,  and  no 
other." 

Elders  Trice,  Daniel,  Harman,  and  Moffitt,  were  appoint- 
ed a  presbytery  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Elders  H.  Harman  and  Ashley  Swaim  were  appointed 
delegates  to  attend  the  North  Carolina  Mission  Society,  to 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  123 

be  held  at  Sutherland's  M.  H.  (Wake  Union),  on  the 
fourth  Saturday  in  May,  1823. 

The  association  agreed  to  take  up  a  public  collection 
on  Sabbath,  at  every  meeting,  for  the  encouragement  of 
itinerant  preachers  in  our  state. 

As  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  agent  for  the  North  Carolina 
Missionary  Society,  and  expected  to  visit  the  various  asso- 
ciations in  the  State,  he  was  appointed  a  corresponding 
messenger  to  each  of  the  association?  that  this  body  cor- 
responded with.  The  following  brethren  were  also  ap- 
pointed :  to  Flat  River  and  Raleigh,  Elder  E.  Trice  ;  to 
Country  Line,  Brother  David  Patterson  ;  to  Yadkin,  El- 
der Ashley  Swaim  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  William  Wadtlill  and 
Daniel  Hackney  ;  to  the  Charleston,  Elder  II .  Harman? 
B.  Boroughs,  and  William  Lightfoot. 

At  the  request  of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary  So- 
ciety, the  association  recommended  the  churches  to  observe 
the  first  Monday  in  December,  as  a  day  of  humiliation, 
fasting,  and  prayer,  &c. ,  owners  of  slaves,  who  were 
friendly  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  were  requested  to  let  them 
attend  meeting  on  that  day. 

The  collection  on  Sabbath,  for  the  encouragement  of 
itineracy,  amounted  to  &7  00. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
R.  T.  Daniel.  His  subject  was,  "  The  Encouragement  of 
Itinerant  Preachers." 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates,     s >  §■     ■£ 

<^      hi 

(  Elder  Ashley  Swaim  ) 

1.  Abbott's  Creek  ...       Davidson <  Joseph  Spergen >    4  114 

(  William  Roper ) 

Allen  Edwards  . . . 

2 .  Cane  Creek Orange <(  James  Reeves   )■         50 

William  Beaver. . . 


124  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 


No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     c-  g.    •g 

(  Michael  Swaim ) 

3    Timber  Ridge Randolph <  James  Polk >         24 

(  H.  Bailey ) 


i  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel.. 

Rock  Spring Chatham <  B.  Brantly 

(  William  Lightfoot. . . 

/'Elder  E.  Trice "| 

J  William  L.  Durham.  (  c 
Lycias  Durham  ....  (' 


52 


5     Haw  River  Mo.infn    Chatham <  K^it  ?Urham "  ^22     70 


^  Stephen  Justice . . . .  J 


l  Elder  H.  Harman. 

6.  New  Hope  Mount'n    Chatham <  William  Drake ^    2    62 

( Isaac   Hartsal .... 

(  Shadrack  Weaver. . .  ) 

7 .  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Joab  Cheek >    5  109 

(  S.  White ) 

I  Elder  Isaac  Hicks  . .  ) 

8 .  Pleasant  Grove* . . .     Chatham <  M.  Andrews V    3    40 

(  William  Ragan \ 

(Elder  Adam  Moffit. ..  ) 

9.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson >    2     77 

(  William  Reece ) 

(  Elder  Jesse  Buckner  ) 

10 .  Cajer's  Old  Field. . .     Chatham <  Thomas  Stone }         24 

(  E.  Buckner S 

I  Elder  Isaac  Teague. 

11.  Fall  Creek Chatham 1  B.  Boroughs )>1     50 

f  William  Waddill... 

(  James  Burns 

12 .  May's  Chapelf Chatham 1  John  May }32     75 

(  VinceDt  May  . 

C  Daniel   Hackney. . . 

3 .  Rocky  River Chatham <  Henry  Dossett ^         21 

r  Solomon  Dossett. 


ill 


In  1823,  this  body  met  at  Fall  Creek  Meeting  House, 
in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  on  Saturday  before  the  fourth 
Sunday  in  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  R.  T. 
Daniel  from  the  text,   "  Thy  kingdom  come." 

*  Formerly  Lasaters  M.  H.  f  Formerly  George's  Creek. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  125 

William  Dowd  was  chosen  moderator  and  Bryant  Bor- 
oughs clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations:  from  Pee  Dee,  P.  W.  Dowd  ;  from  the  Ra- 
leigh, Elder  James  Morphis  ;  from  Flat  River,  Elder  Will- 
iam Farthing  ;  from  the  Country  Line,  Isaac  Kirby,  Elder 
Robert  McKee,  and  Elder  John  Stadler  ;  from  the  Charles- 
ton Association  and  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  S. 
C,  Elder  Joseph  T.  Copeland. 

Elders  Daniel,  Copeland,  and  William  Farthing,  preach- 
ed on  Sabbath. 

Elders  R.  T.  Daniel  and  E.  Trice  reported  that  they 
had  constituted  a  church  at  Sandy  Field  in  Orange  county, 
N.  C. 

The  association  dispensed  with  standing  presbyteries. 

Elders  Harman,  Moffit,  and  Trice,  were  appointed  to 
attend  the  North  Carolina  Baptist  Mission  Society. 

A.  Swaim,  E.  Trice,  A.  Moffit,  and  William  Dowd, 
were  appointed  to  write  a  letter,  stating  the  churches  and 
other  places  in  their  bounds  that  were  destitute  of  preach- 
ing. 

Brother  Nathaniel  Smith  was  appointed  clerk  and  treas- 
urer of  this  association. 

The  agent.  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel,  took  up  a  collection  on 
Sabbath,  for  the  Domestic  Missions,  which  amounted  to 
$18   731  and  a  gold  ring. 

Corresponding'messengers  were  appointed  to  the  following 
associations :  Brother  Stephen  Justice  to  the  Flat  River  ; 
Elder  H.  Harman  to  the  Raleigh  ;  Elder  Michael  Swaim 
and  Brother  David  Patterson  to  the  Country  Line ;  Elder 
Ashley  Swaim,  P.  W.  Dowd,  and  Eli  Phillips,  to  Pee 
Dee ;  P.  W.  Dowd,  Samuel  Hymer,  and  Enoch  Crutch- 
field,  to  Charleston  ;  Elder  Christopher  Swaim  and  Ja- 
cob Idol,  to  the  Yadkin. 


126  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

i  Elder  Ashley  Swaim, 

1.  Abbott's  Creek Davidson <  Barnet  Idol, 

(  Jacob  Idol. 

I  John  Reeves, 

2.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Thomas  Morrow, 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield. 

(  Elder  Christopher  Swaim, 

3.  Timber  Ridge Randolph <  William  Swaim, 

(  Elder  Michael  Swaim. 

I  Robert  Ward, 

i .   Rock  Spring Chatham <  George  Dismukes, 

(  Wiley  Straughan. 

(  Lysias  Durham, 

5 .  Haw  River  Mountain..    Chatham <  Richard  Cates, 

(  Nathaniel  Robertson. 

(.  Shadrack  Weaver, 

6 .  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Z.  Roroughs, 

(  Nathaniel  Smith. 

I  Elder  Adam  Moffitt, 

7.  Sandy  Creek Randolph <  David  Patterson, 

(  William  Reece. 

(  Elder  Isaac  Teague, 

8.  Fall  Creek Chatham <  Bryant  Boroughs, 

(  David  Kennedy. 

(  Thomas  Dowdy, 

9 .  May's  Chapel Chatham <  Thomas  Beal, 

( John  Gilmore. 

(  Daniel  Hackney, 

10 .  Rocky  River Chatham <  Solomon  Dossett, 

(  Henry  Dossett. 

i  Eli  Phillips, 

11.  Friendship* Moore <  William  Dowd, 

(  Benjamin  Phillips. 

i  Elder  E.  Trice, 

12.  Sandy  Field Orange <  Stephen  Justice, 

(  George  Oldham. 

The  minutes  for  this  year  give  no  statistics. 


In  1824,  this  body  met  at  Mount  Zion  M.  IL,  in  Ch- 
ange (now  Alamance)  county,  on  the  23d  of  October. 

*  Formerly  McLennon's  Creek. 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPriST   ASSOCIATION.  127 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Heze- 
kiah  Harman.  William  Dowd  was  appointed  moderator, 
Nathaniel  G.  Smith  was  clerk. 

Ministering  brethren  11.  T.  Daniel,  Jacob  Creath,  Chris- 
topher Vickery,  Thomas  Haliburton,  Samuel  Hymer,  and 
William  Wilson,  were  invited  to  and  accepted  seats  in  the 
association. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations :  Elder  John  Culpeper,  from  the  Pee 
Dee  ;  Elder  William  Farthing,  Elder  Thomas  Freeman, 
and  Ezekiel  Hailey,  from  Flat  River  ;  Elders  John  Stad- 
ler,  Robert  Mclvee,  and  Brother  R.  Martin,  from  Country 
Line;  Elder  Ezekiel  Trice,  from  Raleigh. 

Elders  Culpeper,  Creath,  and  Farthing,  preached  on 
Sabbath. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  sent  to  the  following 
associations :  Elder  H.  Harman,  Peter  P.  Smith,  and 
Enoch  Crutchfield,  to  Flat  River ;  Elder  Isaac  Ivirby, 
Mark  Bynum,  and  Levi  Andrews,  to  Raleigh ;  Elder  Mi- 
chael Swaim  and  S.  Hymer,  to  Country  Line ;  Elder 
Adam  Moffitt,  Abraham  Wright,  and  Tidance  Lane,  to  the 
Pee  Dee  ;  William  Dowd,  Patrick  W.  Dowd,  Lemuel  S. 
McNeil,  and  N.  G.  Smith,  to  the  Charleston ;  Elder 
Ashley  Swaim,  Christopher  Swaim,  and  Brother  Joseph 
Spergen,  to  the  Yadkin. 

"Read  the  address  from  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
B.  G.  Con.  of  the  United  States,  directed  to  this  body ; 
and  the  association  hopes  they  may  prosper  in  their  laud- 
able efforts." 

Query  :  "  Is  it  right  for  membei-s  of  the  Baptist  church 
to  encourage  an  excommunicated  or  censured  preacher, 
either  by  going  to  hear  him  preach,  opening  their  doors  for 
reception,  or  bidding  him  God  speed,  in  any  way  as  a 
preacher  ?" 


$28  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Answer  :   "  It  is  not  right." 

No  excommunicated  minister  should  be  encouraged  to 
preach  under  any  circumstances  whatever ;  if  he  is  wrongly 
dealt  with,  let  him  use  all  reasonable  means  to  be  restored. 
If  he  is  worthy  of  it,  this  can  and  will  be  done.  Uutil  this 
is  done,  let  him  be  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  If 
a  minister  is  excommunicated  by  an  anti-missionary  Bap- 
tist church,  for  missionary  principles,  we  should  not  hear 
him  preach  until  he  is  received  into  the  church. 

If  a  minister  is,  through  prejudice,  or  for  other  reasons, 
unjustly  excluded,  he  should  not  preach  until  he  is  received 
by  another  church,  on  the  ground  of  his  not  having  had 
justice  done  him,  and  cannot  procure  it  in  the  church  that 
excluded  him. 

Query :  ' '  If  a  church  pass  with  impunity  any  gross 
transgression,  or  violation  of  the  moral  law  of  Grod,  at  the 
expense  of  the  Christian  feelings  of  one  or  more  of  her, 
members,  what  course  shall  the  aggrieved  pursue  1" 

Answer :  "  They  act  derogatory  to  the  gospel,  and  the 
aggrieved  party  may  apply  to  other  churches  for  help  ;  or 
may  seek  redress  by  appealing  to  the  association." 

Associations  are  not  coiwts  of  appeal,  but  simply  advisory 
counsels  ;  what  is  termed  an  appeal,  cannot  be  taken  from 
a  church  decision.  In  the  above  ease,  there  is  no  church 
decision.  She  only  refuses  to  act  when  a  minority  tliinks 
she  ought.  In  that  case,  the  advice  given  above  is  good — 
all  they  mean  "  by  appealing  to  the  association,"  is,  that 
the  aggrieved  minority  apply  to  it  for  advice. 

Brethren  William  Dowd  and  Nat.  G.  Smith  were 
appointed  to  attend  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  N.  C. 
Mission  Society,  to  be  held  at  Mount  Moriah  M.  II., 
Orange  county,  N.  C 

On  Monday,  Elder  Jacob  Creath  took  up  a  collection 
for  missions,  amounting  to  $6  50. 


SANDY    CKEEIv    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  129 

The  following  passed  unanimously: 

"Resolved,  That  this  association  will  keep,  and  the y  do 
hereby  recommend  to  the  churches  in  their  connection  to 
keep,  the  2 2d  day  of  February  next  as  a  day  of  thanks- 
giving, to  return  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  the  bountiful 
provision  he  has  made  for  man  and  beast,  and  for  the  civil 
and  religious  privileges  we  enjoy,  and  for  his  signal  bless- 
ing in  reviving  his  work  of  grace  in  the  bounds  of  this 
association  and  elsewhere." 

At  the  request  of  the  Meherren  Association,  made  known 
by  Elder  Farthing,  this  body  agreed  to  unite  with  them 
on  the  third  day  of  November,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer. 

At  this  meeting  the  association  was  laid  off  into  four 
sections,  which  were  to  have  the  association  held  in  them 
by  rotation. 

.     The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  "William 
Dowd. 

This  year  the  Lord  blessed  many  of  the  churches  with 
extensive  revivals.  Prayer  meetings  were  frequent,  and 
much  blessed  in  the  conversion  of  souls — they  ought  to  be 
more  generally  in  use  in  our  churches. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.         Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    £  §"     ~ 

(  Elder  Ashley  Swaim  ) 

1.    Abbott's  Creek....     Davidson <  James  Sp.ergen.., . .  >  26  197 

{  Isaac  Beason ) 


I  Stephen  Justice  . 
{ Jol     " 


Cane  Creek Orange j  John  Beeves >    9  116 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield. 

(Peter  P.  Smith 

3.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Samuel  Dowd ^-18  133 

(  Stephen  White.. . . 

C  Daniel  Hackney . . 

4.  Bocky  Biver. Chatham <  H.  Dossett ^71 

( J-  W.  Poe 


130  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


C  Elder  Adam  Moffitt.  ) 

5.  Sandy  Creek Kandolph <  David  Patterson >  66     91 

(  William  Reece ) 

Richard  Cates ) 

6.  Haw  River  Mount'n     Chatham <^  David  Robertson..  . .  >  86 

P.  Pickaid ) 


C  Elder  H.  Harman. .  .  ) 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham 1  Thomas  Beal >    2     78 

(  John  Gilmore ) 

(  Bryant  Boroughs ) 

8.  Fall  Creek Chatham {  William  Waddill.,..  >  12     62 

(  William  Carr ) 

9.  Rock  Spring Chatham ^e?rge  £ismu,kes  •  ■  ■  I         45 

^      °  I  Wiley  Straughan...  $ 

Elder  Chris.  Swaim.  ) 
10.    Timber  Ridge Randolph 1  Elder Mich'l  Swaim.  }    1     34 


James  Polk. 

11.  Cajer's  Old  Field. . .      Chatham \  ^.^'ebstJ^ I 

■>  (  William  Elmore J 

i  William  Dowd ) 

12.  Friendship Moore 1  P.  W.  Dowd [-27    70 

(  Noah  Richardson... .  \ 

-,o     n      j    -n-  it  r>  $  Levi  Andrews . 

13.  Sandy  Field Orange j  Thomag  UoyA 


I  Tidance  Lane. 


30 


I  John  Hutson ) 

14.   Brush  Creek Randolph ^EliBray }  10    72 


Elder  Isaac  Kirby. .  ) 

15.   Mount  Gilead Chatham ■{  Mark  Bynum >  34 

W.  Kirby ) 

242  1143 


In  1825,  the  association  met  at  Friendship  M.  H.,  in 
Moore  county,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  -before  the. 
fourth  Sabbath  in  October. 

The  association  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Isaac 
Kirby.  Elder  William  Dowd  was  appointed  moderator  ; 
Brother  N.  G.  Smith,  standing  clerk. 

Elder  R.  T.  Daniel   and  William  Lightfoot,   from  the 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  131 

Raleigh,  and  Elder  M.  Swairn,  of  this  association,  accepted 
seats  in  the  association  as  ministering  brethren. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Raleigh,  Elder  Stephen  Senter  ; 
from  Flat  River,  Elder  William  W.  Farthing ;  from 
Country  Line,  Elders  John  Stadler  and  Robert  Ms  Kee  ; 
from  Charleston,  Elder  Campbell  Stubbs. 

The  circular  letter  was  written,  for  this  year,  by  Elder 
William  Dowd. 

Elders  S.  Senter,  J.  Stadler,  and  R.  T.  Daniel,  preached 
on  Sabbath. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Isaac  Kirby  and 
Enoch  Crutchfield  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  William  Dowd  and 
H.  Harman ;  to  Country  Line,  S.  Hymer  and  D.  Patter- 
son ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  H.  Harman  and  Eli  Phillips,  and 
Brother  B.  Boroughs ;  to  Charleston,  Elder  William 
Dowd  and  N.  G.  Smith  ;  to  Yadkin,  S.  Hymer  and  Wil- 
liam Reece. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  guarding  Baptist  churches 
against  Mark  Andrews,  Randolph  Mabry,  Leonard  Prather, 
and  Elisha  Revel,  who  were  excommunicated  ministers, 
by  churches  of  this  body,  and  ordering  that  they  be  pub- 
lished for  three  weeks  in  the  Raleigh  Star  and  Western 
Carolinian. 

The  churches  at  Jamestown,  Abbott's  Creek,  and  Timber 
Ridge,  upon  application,  were  granted  letters  of  dismission 
to  join  a  new  association  about  to  be  formed  more  con- 
venient to  them.  Elders  William  Dowd,  Isaac  Ivirby, 
Eli  Phillips,  and  P.  W.  Dowd,  were  appointed  to  meet 
with  them  in  their  first  session,  and  assist  them  in  their 
deliberations,  at  Liberty  Meeting  House,  in  Davidson 
county,  on  Saturday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  Novem- 


132  A   HISTORY    OF    THE 

ber.     The  new  association   was  called  "Abbott's   Creek 
Union." 

Brother  N.  G.  Smith  presented  an  Address  from  the 
Board  of  the  Baptist  General  Convention  for  Missions, 
which  was  read. 

The  First  Annual  Report  of  the  Baptist  General  Tract 
Society  was  received  by  the  hands  of  Brother  N.  G.  Smith, 
from  their  agent,  George  Wood,  at  Washington  City.  The 
association  recommended  this  society  to  their  brethren  and 
the  public  generally. 

Query  from  Abbott's  Creek  Church  :  "  Suppose  a  man 
marries  a  woman,  and  within  twenty -four  hours  leaves 
her.  She  remains  in  that  situation  for  eight  or  nine  years, 
and  them  marries  again.  The  man  she  last  married,  after 
living  with  her  a  number  of  years  as  her  husband,  comes 
forward  to  the  church  and  renders  unto  it  a  satisfactory 
relation  of  the  operation  of  God's  Holy  Spirit  in  re- 
generating his  soul — is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  the 
church  to  receive  and  baptize  him?" 

After  considerable  debate,  the  following  answer  was 
given  :  "  The  association  deem  it  most  advisable  for  every 
church  to  act  as  their  conviction  of  attendant  and  sub- 
sidiary circumstances  may  be,  but  to  act  cautiously  and 
soberly." 

Some  new  arrangement  was  made  in  arranging  the 
section  meetings,  and  the  three  in  which  the  association  did 
not  meet,  held  an  annual  meeting  each,  and  was  visited  by 
ministers  sent  by  the  association.  This  practice  was  con- 
tinued for  a  number  of  years,  but  has  more  recently  yielded 
to  protracted  meetings. 

Elders  H.  Harman  and  Lilly  reported  that  they  had 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  William  Dowd, 
Artemas    Shattuck,  and    Eli   Phillips.      Elders    Ashley 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  133 

Swaim,  William  Dowd,  and  William  Farthing,  reported 
that  they  had  constituted  a  church  at  Mount  Zion,  in 
Orange  county  (now  Alamance).  Elders  A.  Swaim,  C. 
Swaim,  M.  Swaim,  and  C.  Vickeiy,  reported  the  constitu- 
tion of  churches  by  them  at  Hunt's  Fork,  in  Davidson 
county,  and  at  Jamestown,  in  Guilford  county. 

On  the  Sabbath,  Elder  Robert  T.  Daniel  took  up  a  pub- 
lic collection  for  missions,  amounting  to  $14  951. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.         Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     >2  o1     ■ 


*   e 


15  167 


3     84 


>  7  123 


(  Elder  Ashley  Swaim 

1.  Abbott's  Creek Davidson/ <  Joseph  Spergen. 

(  William  Raper. 

i  Stephen  Justice 

2.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Thomas  Marrow 

(  Robert  Watson. 

{Joab  Cheek  .  .    . 
Samuel  Dowd . . 
S.  Tilman 
P.P.Smith, 
from  Tick  Creek  Arm  J 

I  Daniel  Hackney  . . . .  ) 

4.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Henry  Dosset >  11  109 

(  J.W.  Poe ) 

5.  Sandy  Creek Randolph Not  represented. .. .  91 

6.  Haw  River  Mount'n     Chatham J  >T'  „  [    ,   >         84 

{  N.  Robertson ) 

rJ.  Gilmore ^ 

S.Beal 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham {  W.  Burns V   2     82 

Elder  H.  Harman, 
V      from  an  Arm J 

t  B.  Boroughs ) 

8.  Fall  Creek Chatham ^  R.  Reed .....>  24     67 

(  Zacheus  Boroughs.,  j 

9-  Rockspring ^^■■■■■■^w^tZ^nv:/.::} l  45 

(  Elder  M.  Swaim ) 

10.  Timber  Ridge Randolph ^  Elder  W.  Swaim ....  }    8    42 

(S.  Lamb ) 

(Elder  A.  Shattuck..  ) 

11.  Friendship Moore <  Elder  William  Dowd  >  27    96 

(  William  Dowdy. . . .  ) 


134  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


ja  & 


No.         Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    £  e" 

12.  Sandy  Field   Orange Not  represented 30 

(.  A..  Moffitt ) 

13.  Brush  Creek Kandolph 1  S.  Moffitt 2     73 

(  Tidance  Lane ) 

Elder  Isaac  Kirby.. . 

14.  Mount  Gilead Chatham {  J.  Hackney }    2     38 

Allen  Temple  . 


15.    Pleasant  Grove  ... .      Chatham.. 


/  p.  i  S.  Hymer . .  . 

16.    Mount  Zion >  ur^ge )  jy    Patterson 

<       (Alamance).  ^j_Coble 


William  Ragan ) 

A.  Wheeler £         26 

'.'.  i         25 


C  A.  Milton 1 

17.  Mechanic's  Hill Moore....: <|  J.  Dunlap >  21 

(  Alexander  Kennedy.  ) 

18.  Jamestown Guilford H"  £™Seld ) 

(  J.  Brooks J 


103  1203 

In  1826,  this  body  met  at  Brush  Creak  M.  H.,  Ran- 
dolph county,  N.  C. ,  on  Saturday  before  the  fourth  Sun- 
day in  October. 

Elder  William  Dowd  delivered  the  introductory  sermon. 
He  was  also  chosen  moderator,  and  Tidance  Lane,  clerk. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Raleigh,  Jonathan  Stephenson 
and  William  Lightfoot ;  from  Country  Line,  Elders  Robert 
McKee  and  John  Stadler  ;  from  Yadkin,  Samuel  M'Bride 
and  Richard  Jacks ;  from  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elder 
Michael  Swaim  and  Joseph  Spcrgen.  A  letter,  without 
messengers,  was  received  from  Pee  Dee. 

Elders  Harman,  Stadler,  and  Phillips,  preached  on  Sun- 
day. 

Brother  William  Dowd  stated  that,  in  pursuance  of  the 
divine  commission  given  him  in  the   gospel  to  teach  and 


SANDY   CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  135 

baptize,  lie  had  baptized  a  number  of  persons,  without  the 
bounds  of  this  association,  whereby  he  had  injured  the 
feelings  of  Elder  Ashley  Swairn.  Brother  Dowd  requested 
the  opinion  of  this  body  as  to  the  propriety  of  his  course; 
after  a  full  and  fair  investigation  of  the  subject,  the  asso- 
ciation expressed  the  firm  belief  that  Brother  Dowd  had 
acted  entirely  agreeably  to  the  gospel  (order),  and  bid  him 
God  speed. 

Query  from  the  church  at  Rocky  River  :  "  Is  there  anj 
gospel  privilege,  whereby  a  man  may  put  away  his  wife  foi 
fornication,  and  marry  another,  in  her  lifetime?" 

The  association  did  not  answer  this  query,  but  appointed 
Elders  Kirby,  Swaim,and  Dowd,  and  Brethren  Recce  and 
Wilson,  to  visit  that  church,  "and  act  as  light  may  arise." 
As  this  committee  made  no  report  at  the  next  association, 
we  do  not  know  what  was  clone  in  this  case. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  PI.  Harm  an  and 
Brother  Kirby ;  to  Raleigh,  Hymer  and  Andrews ;  tn 
Country  Line,  Elders  W.  Dowd,  D.  Patterson,  and  S- 
Hymer  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  E.  Phillips,  J.  Seawell,  and  Richard- 
son ;  to  Charleston,  E.  Crutchfield  and  P.  P.  Smith ;  to 
Yadkin,  Hymer,  Dowd,  and  Crutchfield  ;  to  Abbott's  Creek 
Union,  Elders  Hymer  and  Dowd. 

Query  from  Fall  Creek :  "  Is  it  consistent  with  the 
spirit  of  the  gospel  to  fellowship  those  who  may  unite  with 
those  called  Free-Masons,  and  frequent  their  lodges,  or 
not "?  Or  shall  we  correspond  with  any  association  that  is 
favorable  to  such  proceedings  I " 

On  motion  of  Brother  Lightfoot,  this  query  was  laid 
over  until  the  next  association. 

Elder  Michael  Swaim  reported  that  he  and  Elder  Far- 
thing had  ordained  Brother  S.  Hymer  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry. 


136  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


Z% 


(  Samuel  Dowd ) 

1.   Bear  Creek Chatham <  Warren  Brooks >    1  114 

(  Stephen  White J 


ughs..  ..  > 
ghs S 


(  Eli  Lawler 

Fall  Creek. Chatham <  Bryant  Boro 

(  Zach.  Boro-u 

(Elder  William  Dowd! 
Friendship Moore <?  John  Dowdy 

(  Alick  Antry..  . .    . . .  ' 


(Alex.  Kennedvr ) 

4.  Mechanic's  Hill. .  . .     Moore ■?  Aaron  Kennedy . . . .  y 

(David  M'Crimmon..  j 

i  Daniel  Hackney. . . .  i 

5.  Eocky  Eiver Chatham 1  John  W.  Poe \    5  123 

(  Isham  Mann J 

C  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

6.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  Aaron  Moffitt >  &S 


(  Tidance  Lane . 

7.  Sandy  Creek. .  Randolph \  ™Z^n.  ] ^l 

(  Eld.  Samuel  Hymer.  > 

8.  Mount  Zion Orange <  David  Patterson. ...  >    8     33 

(  John  Coble ) 

I  L.  Durham ) 

9.  Haw  Eiver  Movmt'n     Chatham <  Thomas  Workman. .  >    1     80 

(  Nathaniel  Eobertson  J 

(  Stephen  Justice    ...  ) 

10.  Cane  Creek Orange.- <  James  Daniel >  74 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield. .  ) 

n     -r.     i   c<    ■  rn._4.v__.  f  George  Dismukes.  . .  ) 

11.  Back  Spring Chatham j  W3b»  Straughan      J 

i  Elder  Isaac  Kirby. . .  1 

12.  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Allen  Temple >         37 

(  Alston  Straughan. . .  ) 

I  Elder  H.  Harman..  .  ) 

13.  May's  Chapel Chatham 1  Cato  Riddle } 

Charles  Eiddle S 


44 


In   1827,  this    body  met    at    Haw    River  Mountain, 

Chatham  county,   N.  C.,  on    the    27th   day  of  October. 

The  association  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Samuel 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  137 

Hymer.  Elder  Isaac  Kirby  was  chosen  moderator  ;  N.  G. 
Smith  was  the  regular  clerk. 

The  church  at  Mount  Carmel  presented  a  letter  of  dis- 
mission from  the  Flat  River  Association,  by  her  delegates, 
Thomas  Weaver  and  Grey  Huckabee,  who  were  received, 
and  their  names  enrolled  as  members  of  this  body. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the 
following  associations  :  from  Country  Line,  Elders  Stephen 
Chandler  and  Robert  McKee,  and  Brother  George  Brooks  ; 
from  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elder  M.  Swaim  and  Isaac 
Beason  ;  from  Raleigh,  J.  Stephenson,  and  Elder  P.  W. 
Dowd  ;  from  Flat  River,  William  II.  Merritt ;  from  Yad- 
kin, minutes ;  from  Pee  Dee,  minutes,  by  Elder  William 
Dowd.  Elders  William  Dowd,  Wilder  (from  Country 
Line),  and  N.  Richardson,  took  seats  as  ministering 
brethren. 

Elders  William  Dowd,  S.  Chandler,  and  P.  W.  Dowd, 
preached  on  Sabbath. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Samuel  Hymer, 
and  Brother  Grey  Huckabee  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  Harman 
and  Kirby  ;  to  Country  Line,  Elder  S.  Hymer,  and  Brother 
William  Lightfoot ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Phillips  and  Sea- 
well  ;  to  Yadkin,  Elders  William  II.  Merritt  and  N. 
Richardson  ;  to  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elders  Harman, 
Hymer,  Richardson,  and  Brother  E.  Crutchfield. 

The  first  number  of  the  Baptist  Tract  Magazine,  ad- 
dressed to  this  body,  was  received,  and  the  clerk  was 
directed,  in  compliance  with  their  request,  to  send  annually 
a  copy  of  our  minutes  to  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Baptist  General  Tract  Society. 

The  committee  of  arrangement,  to  whom  was  referred 
the  query  of  last  association,  relative  to  Masonry,  reeom- 

7* 


138  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

mended  to  the  association  the  following  answer,  which  was 
unanimously  adopted  :  "  We,  as  Baptists,  profess  to  know 
nothing  correctly  about  Masonry,  therefore  we  are  not 
prepared  to  give  a  definite  answer  to  said  query  " 

At  the  next  meeting  of  this  body,  the  church  at  Fall 
Creek  revived  this  query  in  the  following  words  :  "  Is  it, 
or  is  it  not,  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  any  member  of 
the  Baptist  church  to  join  themselves  to  a  people  who  are 
called  Masons,  and  frequent  their  lodges  V  To  which  the 
following  answer  was  given  : 

"  Resolved,  That  we  do  not  fellowship  the  practice  of 
any  member  in  our  connection  joining  with  or  frequenting 
Mason  lodges." 

At  the  present  time  (a.  d.  1859),  this  query  would  no 
doubt  be  answered  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave  it  discre- 
tionary with  church  members  to  become  Masons  or  not. 
There  are  very  few  intelligent  church-members  now,  who 
would  make  Masonry  a  test  of  fellowship.  The  feelings 
of  those  that  have  prejudices  against  this  time-honored 
benevolent  institution  should  be  respected. 

Elders  Swaim  and  Samuel  Hymer  reported  that  they 
had  ordained  Jesse  Seawell  and  Noah  Richardson  to  the 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  this  year  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.      5  e      ~ 

<itq     £ 

(  Stephen  White 1 

1.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  James  Hackney  . . . .  >        107 

(  John  Tillman ) 

I  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

2.  Brush  Creek Randolph -j  Aaron  Moffitt V  60 

(  Jesse  Bray ) 

(  Stephen  Justice  . . . .  ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange <^JohnReeves.        •■■(         80 

(  Enoch  Crutchfiehl.       ) 

i  John  Lawler ) 

4.  Fall  Creek Chatham <  Isaac  Teague >         37 

(  Stephen  Scott ) 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  139 


No.  Churches.  Counties.         Names  of  Delegates. 


6  R- 


(Elder  Eli  Phillips...  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore <  Joseph  G.  Moore.. ..  >    1     85 

r^  Philip  Brooks......  ) 

(  Isaac. Durham ) 

6.  Haw  River  Mount'n     Chatham <j  Peter  Pickard >  77 

(  David  Robertson . . . .  ) 

(  Elder  H.Harman. .  .  ) 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  Vincent  Beal >    1     75 

(  William  Lightfoot..  ) 

i  Elder  Isaac  Kirby . .  ) 

8.  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Allen  Temple >         35 

(  Mark  Bynum ) 

(  Eld.  Samuel  Hymer.  ) 

9.  Mount  Zion Orange <  David  Patterson >  31 

(  Henry  Kivit ) 

(  David  Kennedy . . . .  ) 

10.  Mechanic's  Hill.. .  .     Moore <  Samuel  Dunlap >    1     20 

(  Daniel  M'Kimon.. . .  ) 

,,,,..-,,  ,-.  (  Thomas  Weaver....  } 

11.  Mount  Carmel Orange }  Gray  Huckabee  . . . .  £  55 

„,  .  .-,  (  Thomas  Lambeth... .  ) 

12.  Peasant  Grove  Chatham \  Willis  Ragan }    1     2G 

^eU  s->  (  James  Bynum ) 

i  Henrv  Dossett ) 

13.  Rocky  River Chatham 1  John'W.  Poe >    1108 


Isham  Ma 


nn. 


(  Richard  Webster, .  . .  ) 

14.  Rock  Spring Chatham -j  Willie  B.  Straughan.  [■    2     42 

(  Joel  Horton ) 

15.  Sandy  Creek Randolph William  Reece 91 

16.  Sandy  Field Orange 1  Levi  Andrews >  go 

J  °  I  Henry  Andrews J 


The  names  in  italics  are  licensed  preachers 


7  959 


In  1828,  this  association  convened  at  Mount  Gilead 
M.  H.,  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  commencing  on  the 
25th  day  of  October. 

The  association  sermon  wtjs  delivered  by  Elder  Heze- 
kiah  Harman.  Elder  Isaac  Kirby  was  elected  moderator, 
Brother  N,  Gr.  Smith  was  the  regular  clerk. 


140  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  received  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Country  Line,  Thomas  D.  Arm- 
strong ;  from  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elder  Michael  Swaim 
and  James  Polk;  from  Raleigh,  Brother  Allen  Griffin  ; 
from  Flat  River,  Willoughby  Hudgins  ;  from  Pee  Dee, 
minutes ;  from  Charleston,  a  packet  of  minutes ;  from 
Mayo,  minutes. 

Brother  John  Roberts,  of  the  Flat  River  Association* 
accepted  a  seat  as  a  ministering  brother. 

Elders  Roberts,  Hudgins,  and  Armstrong,  preached  on 
the  Sabbath  ;  Elder  Hymer  followed  with  an  exhorta- 
tion. 

On  Monday  leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  the  mode- 
rator, and  Brother  William  Lightfoot  was  appointed  mode- 
rator pro  tern. 

Elder  H.  Harman  accepted  a  seat  as  a  ministering 
brother. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Brethren  Isaac  Kirby, 
William  H.  Merritt,  and  Gray  Huckabce ;  to  Raleigh, 
Brethren  Samuel  Hymer  and  N.  G.  Smith  ;  to  Country 
Line,  S.  Hymer  and  David  Patterson  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  H. 
Harman  and  Eli  Phillips ;  to  Yadkin,  N.  Richardson  and 
Jesse  Seawell  ;  to  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Thomas  Weaver, 
Bryant  Boroughs,  and  Levi  Andrews. 

Query:  "What  course  should  be  pursued  by  the 
churches  when  a  few  of  the  members  stand  in  opposition 
to  the  body  in  any  manner  whatever  1" 

Answer:  "We  recommend  to  each  church,  so  situated, 
to  endeavor  to  obtain  disinterested  helps  ;  give  the  matter 
a  fair  investigation  ;  and  if  such  members  are  found  wrong 
deal  with  them  as  transgressors." 

When  there   is  not  a  fair   prospect  for  an  amicable  set- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  141 

tlement  of  difficulties,  among  themselves,  churches  should 
always  call  in  judicious  helps  from  sister  churches.  In 
cases  where  there  is  likely  to  be  a  split  or  division  in  a 
church,  they  should  postpone  a  decision  until  helps  are 
called  in.  It  is  easier  for  helps  to  reconcile  all,  before  a 
decision  among  themselves,  than  afterward. 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  was  written  by  Brother 
"William  Lightfoot. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.  Churches.  Counti:s.         Names  of  Delegates.       <j  §<     ~ 

ktq      El 

(  Stephen  White ) 

1.  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  Samuel  Dowd >        103 

(  Nathan McMinis. . . .  j 

(  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

2 .  Brush  Creek Bandolph I  Aaron   Moffitt >  60 

(  Henry  Bray ) 

(  Stephen  Justice  . . . .  ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange 1  Thomas  D,  Oldham.  >         70 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield.  .  .  ) 

(  Zacheus  Boroughs.  .  j 

4.  Fall  Creek Chatham <  Bryant  Boroughs. ...  >  34 

(  J,  Teague ) 

(Elder  Eli  Phillips...  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore <  James  Dowdv >  79 

(  John  Phillips'. ) 

(  Isaac  Durham ) 

6.  HawEiverMount'n.     Chatham <  Thomas  Workman. .  >  81 

(  David  Robertson. ...  5 

(  William  Lightfoot..  ) 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  John  Gilmore >    4     73 

(  Charles  Riddle ) 

(  Elder  I.  Kirby ) 

8.  Mount   Gilead Chatham   <  Joshua  Williams >  34 

(  Willie  Kirby ) 

(Elder  S.  Hymer....  ) 

9 .  Mour.t  Zion Orang  e <  David  Patterson >  30 

(  Henry  Kivit ) 

(David  Kennedy...     ) 

10.  Mechanic's  Hill. .. .     Moore <  Thomas  Williams. ..  >  17 

(  Aaron  Kennedy .  . . .  ) 

(  Elder  W.  H.  Merritt.  ) 

11.  Mount  Carmel Orange <  Elder  Thos.  Weaver  >  52 

(  Gray  Huckabee..  . .  ) 


142  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.       0-  §<     -g 

fe;K)     h 

Thomas  Bell ) 

12 .  Pleasant  Grove Chatham -^  Eli  Williams >         26 

James  Bynum ) 


i  Daniel  Hackney,  sr. 


13.  Rocky  River Chatham i  William  Bray V    2  108 

(  Duty   Dorsett ) 

(  Richard  Webster. .  .  ) 

14.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  George  Harman....  >   4    44 

(W.  B.  Straughan...  ) 

15.  Sandy  Creek Randolph William  Reece 91 

(  Levi  Andrews ) 

16.  Sandy  Field Orange 1  Thomas  Floyd }■         30 


Henry  Andrews. . 

In  1829,  this  body  convened  at  Lick  Creek  M.  H.,  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C,   on  the  24th  day  of  October. 

Elder  H.  Harman  was  chosen  moderator,  Brother  N. 
Gr.  Smith  clerk. 

A  newly  constituted  church  at  G-um  Spring  M.  H.  (not 
far  from  the  New  Hope  Mountain  church  which  had  gone 
down),  was  received  at  this  meeting, 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Country  Line,  Elders  John 
Stadler  and  Thomas  D.  Armstrong,  and  Brother  Thomas 
W.  Graves  ;  from  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elder  William 
Dowd  :  from  Raleigh,  Elder  P.  W.  Dowd  ;  from  Pee  Dee, 
Elder  John  Culpeper. 

Eiders  John  Roberts  and  N.  Richardson  took  seats  as 
ministering  brethren. 

Elders  John  Culpeper,  John  Stadler,  and  Thomas  D. 
Armstrong,  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 
The  following  resolutions  were  passed  : 
"  1.  Resolved,  That  this  association  recommend  to  the  sev- 
eral churches  of  which  it  is  composed,  to  use  their  best 
efforts  for  the  promotion  and  extension  of  religious  knowl- 
edge, by  encouraging   the  benevolent   institutions   of  the 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  143 

day,  either  by  contributing  their  pecuniary  aid,  by  forming 
Bible  and  tract  societies,  or  in  any  way  which  they,  in 
their  wisdom,  may  think  best  calculated  to  answer  the  de- 
signed purpose. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  we,  as  a  body,  will  discontinue,  and 
recommend  to  the  churches  and  preachers  discontinue,  the 
title  of  reverend  prefixed  to  a  minister's  name,  and  substi- 
tute, as  a  more  scriptural  appellation,  the  title  of  Elder. 

"  3.  Resolved,  That  this  association  concurs  with  the 
Savannah  River,  the  Bethel,  the  Moriah,  and  the  Pee  Dee 
Associations  in  their  disapprobation  of  the  practice  of 
candidates  for  office,  treating  the  electors  (voters)  with 
spirituous  liquors,  and  will  cordially  unite  with  said  associ- 
ations, and  other  friends  of  reform,  to  put  down  said 
practice." 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  attend 
the  following  associations  :  To  Flat  River,  Elder  William 
H.  Merritt  and  Gray  Iluckabee  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  Noah 
Richardson  and  Brother  Lane  Hutson  ;  to  Country  Line, 
Elder  Thomas  Weaver  and  Brother  David  Patterson  ;  to 
Pee  Dee,  Elder  Artemas  Shattuck  and  Brother  Benjamin 
Phillips ;  to  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elders  H.  Harmon, 
Eli  Phillips,  and  Brother  N.  G.  Smith ;  to  Mayo,  Breth- 
ren Levi  Andrews  and  Lysias  Durham. 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  was  written  by  Brother 
Nathaniel  G.  Smith,  on  the  duty  of  searching  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  it  speaks  favorably  of  both  his  head  and  heart. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

Xo.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     c-  ^<     ~ 

fe;Cq     E-h 
I  James  Hackney  . . .  .  ) 

1 .  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  Nathan  McMmis ...  .>    1  102 

(  Joseph  Harman ) 

Samuel  Moffit ) 

2 .  Brush  Creek Randolph <^  Lane  Hutson >  65 

Aaron   Moffit J 


144  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     ^  §<     ~ 

fe;Cq     fci 

(-Stephen  Justice ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Thomas  D.  Oldham.  >    5     75 

(  Enoch    Crutchfield. .  ) 

4.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented 34 

i  Elder  Art's  Shattuck  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore <  Benjamin  Phillips. .  >  59 

(  Jno.  H.  Freeman . . . .  ) 

(  Lysias   Durham .  .  .  .  ) 

6 .  Haw  River  Mount'n     Chatham <  Isaac  Durham >  66 

(  Richard  Cates ) 

(  John  Gilmore ') 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  Charles  Riddle >         51 

(  Vincent  May ) 

(  Mark  B5rnum ) 

8 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Joseph  Hackney .  . . .  >    3     34 

(  Allen  Temple ) 

(  David  Patterson . . . .  ) 

9.  MountZion Orange <  Thomas  Aldred >   1    30 

/Eli  Coble ) 


I  Thomas  Williams. . .  ) 

10 .  Mechanic's  Hill Moore <  Ansel  Melton >  17 

(  Daniel  McKimon. . .  ) 

(  Elder  Thos.  Weaver.  ) 

11 .  Mount  Carmel ....       Orange <  Gray  Huckabee . . . .  >         51 

(  Ashley  Coulter  . . . .  ) 

C  John  Moore ) 

12.  Pleasant  Grove  . .         Chatham -^Thomas  Lambeth  ..  >    4     30 

(  Eli  Williams ) 

i  Henry  Dorsett ) 

13 .  Rocky  River Chatham 1  John  W.  Poe >    1  107 

(  Isham  Mann ) 

C  Willie  B.  Strauuhan.  1 

14.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  Richard  Webster. .  . .  >  42 

(George  Harman....  ) 

i  Nathaniel  Norwood..  ) 

15.  Sandy  Creek Randolph....    <  William  Reece >  28 

(  Nathaniel  York ) 

{  Levi  Andrews ) 

16 .  Sandy  Field Orange ^  Henry  Andrews >    3     30 

r  George  Andrews .  . .  ) 


17. 


n        o„  •„„  nv,„»k  „,  S  Elder  H.  Harn 

Gum  Spring Chatham <  T  u     , 

*      °  (  Isaac  Hartsoe . 


25 


Namea  of  Licentiates  in  italics. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  145 

■  In  1830,  this  body  met  at  Love's  Creek  M.  II.,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  23d  day  of  October.  The  associ- 
ational  sermon  was  prea'ched  by  Elder  Noah  Richardson. 
Elder  William  EL  Merritt  was  chosen  moderator.  N.  G. 
Smith  was  the  regular  clerk. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Country  Line,  Elders  Robert 
McKee  and  John  Stadler;  from  Pee  Dee,  Elder  John  Cul- 
peper';  from  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elder  William  Birch  ; 
from  Flat  River,  Elders  James  Ferrel  and  Willoughby 
Hudgins  ;  from  Charleston,  minutes  ;  from  Mayo,  a  letter  ; 
from  Yadkin,  minutes. 

Elders  Hudgins,  T.  D.  Armstrong,  and  Stadler,  preached 
on  the  Sabbath. 

On  Monday,  Elder  Samuel  Wait,  agent  for  the  Baptist 
State  Convention  of  North  Carolina,  was  invited  to  and 
accepted  a  seat  in  the  association. 

A  communication  was  received  from  a  part  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  at  Fall  Creek,  relating  to  a  difficulty  in 
said  church.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  into 
the  condition  of  the  church,  and  report  to  the  next  associ- 
ation. This  difficulty  existed  for  a  long  time,  and  caused 
the  almost  entire  extinction  of  the  church.  If  a  life-picture 
of  a  few  contentious  spirits,  that  kept  up  this  unholy  and 
God-dishonoring  distress  in  this  church  could  be  clearly 
portrayed,  few  persons  would  imitate  their  example.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  such  contentious  spirits  may  never 
again  infest  any  of  the  churches  of  this  body. 

A  serious  difficulty  existed  in  the  church  at  Mount  Car- 
mel,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  labor  with  them, 
which  effected  a  reconciliation.  This  association  has 
always  been  prompt  in  rendering  all  necessary  aid  to  the 
churches  in  cases  of  difficulty.     She  has  also  treated  kindly 


146  A    HISTOKY    OP    THE 

and  respectfully  aggrieved  minorities  of  the  churches,  that 
have  petitioned  for  relief.  The  committees  that  she  has 
sent  to  the  churches  in  such  cases,  have  generally  been 
successful  in  restoring  peace  and  harmony. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  adopted  : 
"  This  association,  viewing  with  painful  feelings  the  de- 
pressed condition  of  the  Baptist  churches  within  the  limits 
of  this  state,  and  cherishing  an  earnest  desire  to  build  up 
the  waste  places  in  Zion,  and  supply  the  destitute  regions 
thereof  with  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  have  heard  with 
pleasure  of  the  recent  organization  of  the  Baptist  State" 
Convention  of  North  Carolina,  for  the  advancement  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom. 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  we  recommend  to  the  several 
churches  composing  this  association,  that  they  unite  with 
our  brethren  and  friends  in  this  '  labor  of  love,'  by  the 
speedy  formation  of  primary  societies,  and  in  any  other 
way  they  may  deem  their  co-operation  would  most  ad- 
vance the  objects  contemplated. 

"  Resolved,  farther,  That  we  recommend  a  paper,  about 
to  be  published  under  the  direction -of  the  convention,  to 
the  patronage  of  our  brethren  and  friends." 

Query  from  the  church  at  Mechanic's  Hill :  "  Is  it 
rio'ht  for  a  church  to  sit  in  conference  on  the  Lord's  Day, 
to  receive  complaints  and  act  on  them  ?■" 

Answer  :  "  It  is  not  right,  only  in  cases  of  unavoidable 
necessity." 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  William  H.  Mer- 
ritt  and  Thomas  D.  Armstrong  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  II. 
Harman  and  Brother  N.  Gr.  Smith ;  to  Country  Line, 
Elder  Thomas  Weaver,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  and  David 
Patterson  ;  to  Fee  Dee,  Elders  Eli  Phillips  and   Artemas 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  147 

Shattuck  ;  to  Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elders  Noah  Rich- 
ardson, T.  D.  Armstrong,  and  Brother  Lane  Hutson  ;  to 
Mayo,  Levi  Andrews,  Enoch  Crutehfield,  and  Brother 
Stephen  Moore  ;  to  Yadkin,  Elder  T.  D.  Armstrong  and 
Brother  William  Wilson  ;  to  Charleston,  Elders  N.  Rich- 
ardson and  T.  D.  Armstrong. 

Ministers  were  appointed  annually  to  attend  section 
meetings. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
Eli  Phillips. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


Churches.  Counties.  Names  of Delegates.     S« 


Ei 


(  Isaac  Durham ) 

1 .  Antioch* Orange <  William  Glossan . . . .  >  60 

(  Richard  Cates ) 

C  Samuel  Dowd ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Joseph  Harman >    2  101 

(  Warren  Brooks 3 

(  Aaron  Moffitt ) 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph 1  Henry  Bray >11     66 

(  Eli  Bray j 

i  Thomas  D.  Oldham..  1 

4.  Cane  Creek Orange  <  John  Reeves >    5     70 

(  Stephen  Justice  ....  \ 

(  Bryan  Boroughs ) 

5.  Fall  Creek Chatham -?  Jacob  Teague >         26 

(  Henry  Caviness ) 

(Elder  N.  Richardson  ) 

6.  Friendship Moore <  John  Dowdy >    2     66 

(  James  Upton ) 


"William  Drake, 
saac  Hartsoe  . . 


23 


(   T 

7.  Gum  Spring Chatham <  j 

(  Vincent  May ) 

8.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  John  Gilmore >    1     59 

(  Charles  Riddle ) 

n    T,r     i       •  ,    TT-,,  -.,  S  David  Kennedy )  *» 

9.  Mechanic's  Hill Moore <  .-,        ;■       n      j  >         17 

(  Cornelius  JJowd ) 

C  Elder  Wm.  H.  Merritt  ) 

0.    Mount  Carmel Orange <  Elder  Thos.  Weaver..  >    2     51 

(  Gray  Huckabee. 

*  Formerly  Haw  River  Mountain. 


148  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 


No. 

Churches. 

Counties. 

Names  of  Delegates.    >2 

11. 

Mount  Gilead 

i  Eld.  T.  D.  Armstrong  ) 
<  Willie  Kirbv } 

2 

37 

12. 

Mount  Zion 

Pleasant  Grove  . . 

\  Orange  (now 
\          Alamance) 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield ...  ) 
1  David  Patterson  . .  . .  > 
(John  Coble ) 

3 

33 

13. 

(Thomas  Lambeth....  ) 

i  Willis  Rajan [• 

(  James  Bynum ) 

2G 

14 

Rocky  River 

Chatham 

<J.  W.  Poe > 

1 

107 

15. 

Rock  Spring 

C  Stephen  Moore ) 

<  Richard  Webster > 

(P.  Straughan , 

8 

53 

16. 

Sandy  Creek 

Randolph 

C  William  Reece ) 

I  William  Wilson          > 
(William  Kirkman...  i 

2 

29 

17. 

Sandy  Field 

2  Thomas  Llovd             \ 
(  Green  Lloyd ) 

28 

39  850 
The  names  in  italics  were  licentiates. 

There  were  at  this  time  seven  ordained  and  six  licensed 
ministers  belonging  to  this  association.  This  is  the  first 
year  the  minutes  reported  the  number  of  ministers 

In  1831,  this  body  met  at  Antioch  M.  H. ,  Orange  county, 
N.  C,  on  the  22d  day  of  October.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  delivered  by  Brother  William  Hooper,  formerly 
an  Episcopal  clergyman.  Elder  William  H.  Merritt  was 
appointed  moderator,  and  Elder  Noah  Richardson  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Raleigh,  Brother  John  Hill  ;  from 
Flat  River,  Elder  James  Ferrell ;  from  Abbott's  Creek 
Union,  Elder  Eli  Carroll  and  Philip  Snider  ;  from  Country 
Line,  Elders  Robert  McKee  and  Richard  Hensley.  Elder 
William  Dowd  took  a  seat  as  a  ministering;  brother. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  149 

Elders  William  Dowd,  Eli  Phillips,  and  Noah  Richard- 
son, preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

By  a  resolution  of  this  body,  a  collection  was  taken  up 
and  $22  15  contributed,  to  the  liquidation  of  a  debt  Mrs. 
L.  A.  Watts  had  contracted  for  the  building  of  the  M.  H. 
at  Mars  Hill,  near  Hillsborough. 

On  Monday,  Brother  William  Hooper  was  invited  to 
and  accepted  a  seat  as  a  ministering  brother. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  AY.  H.  Merritt 
and  Thomas  Weaver  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  T.  D.  Armstrong 
and  H.  Harrnan ;  to  Country  Line,  Elder  Eli  Phillips, 
David  Patterson,  and  Enoch  Crutchfield ;  to  Pee  Dee, 
Elder  N.  Richardson,  and  Brother  Lane  Hutson  ;  to 
Abbott's  Creek  Union,  Elders  T.  D.  Armstrong,  E.  Phil- 
lips, N.  Richardson,  and  Brother  Lane  Hutson  ;  to  Mayo, 
Elders  T.  D.  Armstrong  and  N.  Richardson  ;  to  Yadkin, 
Elder  EH  Phillips  and  Brother  Levi  Andrews  ;  to  Charles- 
ton, Elders  N.  Richardson  and  A.  Shattuck.  Ministering 
brethren  were  appointed  to  attend  section  meetings. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
N.  Richardson.  His  subject  was  advocating  the  disuse  of 
ardent  spirits. 

Elder  N.  Richardson  was  appointed  treasurer  of  the 
association. 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  express  a  sense  of  their 
gratitude  for  the  faithful  service  of  Brother  N.  G-.  Smith, 
as  their  former  clerk,  and  regret  the  loss  this  association 
will  sustain  in  consequence  of  his  removal  to  the  West." 

The  association  Resolved,  in  future,  if  any  of  the  churches 
failed  annually  to  represent  themselves,  that  the  association 
appoint  some  person  to  visit  them,  and  learn  the  cause,  and 
report  to  the  next  meeting. 


150  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


The  following  churches  were  represented  this  year: 

No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     >S 


=5 


James  Bynum . 


Eh 


(  Lysias  Durham ) 

1.  Antioch Orange <  Thomas  Workman  . .  >    3    58 

(  D.  Robertson ) 

(  Samuel  Dowd ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  James  Hackney >    1    98 

(  John  Burke ) 

(  John  Bray } 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph i  Eli  Bray >    1     62 

(  Lane  Hutson ) 

I  John  Workman ) 

4.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Thomas  D.  Oldham..  >  15    90 

(  Stephen  Justice 5 

Elder  Eli  Phillips....  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore <?  Elder  N.  Richardson  >         55 

Brother  B.  Phillips . .  ) 


6-    ^Spring Chatham fg££^£::j         23 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham \  Cat    P'rldl      (    ^     ^ 

I  Elder  W.  H.  Merritt..  ) 

8.  Mount  Carmel Orange i  Elder  Thos.  Weaver..  >  11     62 

(  Bro.  Gray  Huckabee  ) 

(Eld.  T.D.Armstrong) 

9.  Mount  Gile ad Chatham <  Mark  Bynum s  >    8    46 

(  Howard  Ward ) 

C  David  Patterson . . . .  ) 

10.  Mount  Zion Orange <  Henry  Kivit >  30 

I  S,  Aldridge ) 

i  Willis  Ragan ) 

11,  Pleasant  Groce Chatham <  William  Ragan >    9     36 


(  Daniel  Hackney,  Sr.  ) 

12.  Rocky  River Chatham ■?  Daniel  Hackney,  Jr.  >  17  124 

(  William  Bridges ) 

{  Levi  Andrews ) 

13.  Sandy  Field Orange ^  Thomas  Lloyd >    2     30 

(  Guilford  Petty ) 

14.  Bock  Spring Chatham {  Sep^Tofie* '. '.  \ '.  }  9     60 

15.  Fall  Creek Not  represented 26 

16.  Mechanic's  Hill ,       "            "            17 

17.  Sandy  Creek "            "            29 

82  898 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  151 

The  following  resolution,  \\ as  passed  : 

"  Jiesolved,  That  this  association  view  with  decided  ap- 
probation the  proceedings  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention 
of  North  Carolina,  and  recommend  an  increasing  energy 
on  the  part  of  the  churches  composing  this  association  for 
the  support  of  that  institution." 

In  1832,  this  body  met  at  Rock  Spring  M.  H.,  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C,  on  the  27th  day  of  October.  El- 
der Eli  Phillips  preached  the  introductory  sermon.  Elder 
William  H.  Merritt  was  chosen  moderator.  Elder  N. 
Richardson  was  the  regular  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations:  from  Liberty,  Elder  William  Burch,  Jo- 
seph Spergen  and  Davis  Roper  ;  from  Country  Line,  Elder 
Stephen  Pleasant ;  from  Flat  River,  minutes.  Elder  T. 
D.  Armstrong  took  a  seat  as  a  ministering  brother. 

The  church  at  Reeves's  chapel  was  received  at  this 
meeting. 

Elders  Stephen  Pleasant,  William  Hooper,  and  Noah 
Richardson,  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  William  PL 
.  Merritt  and  Thomas  Weaver ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  T.  D. 
Armstrong  and  Levi  Andrews ;  to  Country  Line,  Elders 
William  H.  Merritt  and  William  Hooper ;  to  Pee  Dee, 
Elders  N.  Richardson,  Eli  Phillips,  and  Brother  Lane 
Hutson ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  William  H.  Merritt,  E.  Phil- 
lips, and  Levi  Andrews,  and  Brethren  David  Patterson, 
Enoch  Crutchfield,  James  Headen,  and  Spencer  Marsh ; 
to  Mayo,  Elder  Artemas  Shattuck,  and  Brethren  P.  P. 
Smith  and  Daniel  Marsh  ;  to  Yadkin,  Elder  E.  Phillip 
and  Lane  Hutson. 


152  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

r!  he  Abbott's  Creek  Union  Association  having  rejected 
the  messengers  of  correspondence  from  this  body,  in  conse- 
quence of  this  association  being  friendly  to  missions,  they 
sent  ten  copies  of  the  minutes  of  this  year  to  that  associ- 
ation, "  as  an  evidence  that  we  yet  love  them  as  brethren 
in  Christ." 

The  Baptist  members,  churches,  and  associations,  that 
have  encouraged  missions,  have  always  been  willing  to 
fellowship  those  brethren  who  opposed  them  ;  the  non-fel- 
lowship has  invariably  come  from  the  anti-mission  party  ; 
consequently,  the  guilt  of  schism  rests  upon  them,  and  not 
upon  those  that  labor  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  at  home 
and  in  foreign  lands. 

In  consequence  of  the  death  of  Elder  Harman,  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  passed  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  feel  [deeply  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  loss  we  have  sustained  by  the  death  of 
our  esteemed  and  beloved  brother,  Elder  Hezekiah  Har- 
man, whose  ministerial  labors  have  been  abundantly 
blessed,  but  thank  God  for  the  cheering  belief  we  enjoy 
that  his  soul  is  freed  from  all  tribulation,  and  is  attribu- 
ting praises  to  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
in  the  celestial  mansions  of  everlasting  bliss." 

During  this  associational  year,  Elder  E.  Phillips  bap- 
tized 74  persons  ;  Elder  T.  D.  Armstrong,  140  ;  Elder  T. 
Weaver,  2  ;  Elder  William  H.  Merritt,  100 ;  Elder  A. 
Shattuck,  8  ;  and  Elder  N.  Richardson,  204. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  153 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    |§  a     g 

(  Isaac  Durham ) 

I.  Antioch...., Orange <  Lindsey  Edwards. ..  >  25     80 

(  Caleb  Lindsey ) 

(  Samuel  Dunlap ) 

'2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  John  Nails >  48  *48 

(  John  Dowd ) 

(  John  D.  Brown ) 

3 .   Brush  Creek Randolph <  Henry  Bray >  13     70 

(  Samuel  Moffitt 5 

(  Thomas  D.  Oldham  .  ) 

■4.   Cane  Creek Orange 1  Stephen  Justice >  33  120 

(  Joel  Parish ) 

5 .   Gum  Spring Chatham i  David  Po"306 }  21     39 

(Elder  E.  Phillips. . .  .  ) 

■6 .  Friendship Moore <  Elder  Art.  Shattuck .  >         47 

(  James  Dowdy ) 

(William  White ) 

7 .  May's  Chapel Chatham 1  William  Eoe [>  33    85 

(  Samuel  Gilmore . .  . .  ) 

I  Elder  Wm.  Hooper. .  ) 

■8 .  Mount  Carmel Orange 1  Elder  W.  H.  Merritt.  >  52 

(  Elder  Thos.  Weaver. ) 

(  Joshu  a  Williams ....  ) 

9 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham- <  Willie  Ki  rby >    5    54 

(  Ambrose  Fooshee.. .  ) 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield...  ) 
10 .  Mount  Zioa Orange <  D.  Patterson >  13    43 


I  H,  Kivit 


n.1     t>,  ,.  r,  rtu  it.  (Thomas  Lambeth...  )  n^. 

il.   Pleasant  Grove. .  . .     Chatham <  T  -r,  >  36 

{  J  ames  Bynum ) 

(  Solomon  Dorsett ) 

12.  Eocky  Eiver Chatham <  Duty  Dorsett 1 15  136 

(  Malthus  D.  Freeman*) 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews.  ) 

13 .  •  Sandy  Field Orange  1  Sidney  Lloyd V         24 

(  George  Andrews . . . .  ) 

(  W.  B.  Straughan ) 

14.  Rock  Spring Chatham 1  Elisha  H.  Straughan.  >  42     98 

(  Stephen  Moore ) 

l  Z.  Boroughs ) 

15..   Fall  Creek Chatham <  John  Davis S- 13     35 

(  Adams  Brewer.  ...    3 

*  Seventy-six  memljers  dismissed  to  join  Reave's  Chapel. 


154  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    j>  ■* 


(  David  Kennedy    . . .  ) 

16.  Mechanic's  Hill. .. .     Moore .....  I  Conner  Dowd >    7     24 

I  William  Deaton  . . . .  ) 

t  William  Eeece ) 

17.  Sandy  Creek Randolph -^JohnKivit \  14    43 

/William  Wilson....  ) 

I  Spencer  Marsh ) 

18.  Eeave's  Chapel. .  ..     'Chatham <  James  Headen >  79 

(  Warren  Brooks ) 

282  1113 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
William  Hooper.  His  subject  was,  "The  duty  of  promo- 
ting Missions."  It  is  an  able  document,  and  came  at  a 
very  seasonable  time,  and  no  doubt  did  much  good. 

In  1833,  this  body  met  at  Fall  Creek  M.  H.,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.j  on  the  26th  day  of  October.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  delivered  by  George  W.  Purefoy.. 
Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  moderator. 

The  church  at  Emmaus  M.  H.  was  received  at  this 
meeting,  and  also  the  church  at  Love's  Creek  M.  H. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the 
following  associations  :  from  Liberty,  Isaac  Beason  j 
from  Pee  Dee,  Jacob  Page  and  Levi  Deaton ;  from  Yad- 
kin, Isaac  Cooker  ;  from  Country  Line,  Elder  Robert  Mc- 
Kee  and  Brethren  John  Russel  and  James  Smith ;  from 
Raleigh,,  minutes,  by  George  W.  Purefoy,  who  at  that  time 
belonged  to  and  was  clerk  of  that  association.  Minutes 
were  received  from  the  Flat  River  Association.  An  in- 
vitation was  extended  to  ministering  brethren  to  take  seats 
in  the  association.  Lane  Hutson  and  George  W.  Purafoy 
accepted  the  invitation. 

Elders  William  Hooper,  Stephen  Pleasant,  and  N.  Rich- 
ardson, by  appointment  of  the  association,  preached  on  the 
Sabbath. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  155 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  TV.  H.  Merritt  and 
Thomas  Weaver ;  to  Raleigh,  Elisha  Burns  and  Spencer 
Marsh  ;  to  Country  Line,  David  Patterson,  TV.  Rider,  and. 
Enoch  Crutchfield ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  N.  Richardson,  TV. 
White,  and  J.  Thompson  ;  to  Liberty,  Malthus  D.  Free- 
man, J.  Brooks,  and  H.  H.  Hatch  ;  to  Yadkin,  Elders  Phil- 
lips and  Richardson. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  passed  : 

"  Whereas,  Elder  Stephen  Pleasant,  who  was  a  member 
of  Ebenezer  Church,  of  the  Country  Line  Association,  has 
been  excluded  from  that  church,  as  the  minutes  of  that 
association  state,  for  disorderly  conduct :  And  whereas, 
one  of  the  churches  of  this  association,  viz.,  Cane  Creek, 
has  received  said  Pleasant  into  that  church,  from  a  belief 
(as  they  state  in  their  letter  to  the  association,  after  hear- 
ing an  investigation  of  the  matter)  that  he  was  disowned 
by  that  church,  not  for  any  immoral  conduct,  but  for  being 
friendly  to  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the  day  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  association  advise  these 
two  churches  to  get  helps  from  other  sister-churches,  and 
meet  in  conference  on  this  matter,  and  endeavor  to  adjust 
the  difference,  so  that  brotherly  love  may  continue,  not 
only  between  them  as  churches,  but  likewise  between  the 
associations." 

In  compliance  with  the  above  resolution,  "  the  church 
at  Cane  Creek  got  helps,  viz. :  of  her  own  members,  John 
Reeves,  James  Marrow,  Thomas  D.  Oldham,  and  Thomas 
Hunter ;  from  Mount  Carmel,  Elder  William  Hooper ; 
from  the  Raleigh  Association,  George  TV.  Purefoy  ;  from 
the  Flat  River  Association,  Elder  Jas.  King,  and  Brother 
Thomas  Halleburton  ;  and  Elder  John  G.  Mills,  of  the 
Roanoke  Association  ;    all   of  whom   went   to   Ebenezer 


156  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

Church  for  the  purpose  of  settling  the  difficulty,  but  the 
Ebenezer  Church  refused  to  receive  or  hear  them  touching 
that  matter,  but  contended  they  would  abide  by  their  own 
decision  that  they  had  already  made." 

When  the  corresponding  messengers  from  this  body 
presented  themselves  at  the  Country  Line  Association, 
they  were  rejected:  "  1.  Because  the  Sandy  Creek  As- 
sociation was  friendly  to  all  the  religious  and  benevo^nt 
institutions  of  the  day.  2.  Because  we  [the  S.  C.  A.] 
had  received  Brother  Stephen  Pleasant  as  a  preacher 
among  us." 

But  for  Elder  James  Osbourn,  of  Baltimore,  who  visited 
the  Country  Line  Association,  and  poisoned  their  minds 
against  benevolent  institutions,  there  would  have  been,  we 
presume,  none  of  this  trouble.  Through  his  influence,  a 
resolution,  as  follows,  was  passed  by  that  association  just 
before  Elder  Pleasant,  who  opposed  it,  was  excommuni- 
cated : 

' '  On  motion,  resolved,  That  this  association  disapprobate 
all  the  societies  of  the  day,  namely :  Bible  societies, 
temperance  societies,  tract  societies,  Sunday-school  socie- 
ties, missionary  societies,  Baptist  convention,  religious 
newspapers,"  &c. 

This  resolution  was  passed  at  Deep  Creek  M.  H.,  1832. 

Previous  to  this,  for  a  number  of  years,  Elders  John 
Stadler,  Robert  M'Kee,  R.  Hensley,  and  J.  Wilder,  who 
became  leaders  in  the  anti-mission  ranks  of  the  Country 
Line  Association,  were  in  attendance  at  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association  when  resolutions  in  favor  of  missionary,  tract, 
and  other  societies,  were  passed,  and  puhlio  collections  taken 
in  their  behalf,  but  not  one  word  of  dissent,  until  Osbourn 
procured  the  passage  of  the  resolution  just  referred  to,  was 
uttered  by  them.      On  the  Sabbath,  both   Elder  M'Kee 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  157 

and  Elder  Stadler  preached,  with  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel,  the 
prince  of  missionaries,  who  at  the  same  time  was  agent  for 
the  Missionary  Society  of  North  Carolina.* 

That  the  church  at  Cane  Creek  did  right  in  receiving 
Elder  S.  Pleasant,  and  continuing  him  as  their  pastor,  must 
he  evident  to  every  unprejudiced  mind.  He  had  under- 
gone no  change,  he  was  guilty  of  no  immoral  act,  was 
charged  with  none,  and  held  the  same  gospel  principles 
that  he  came  into  the  church  with.  The  Ebenezer  Church 
had  evidently  changed,  and  departed  from  principles  that 
it  previously  held,  while  Elder  Pleasant  remained  as  he  was 
before  ;  for  proof  of  this,  see  the  5  th  chapter  of  this  volume. 
In  1825  a  contribution  was  sent  up  to  "  the  North  Caro- 
lina Missionary  Society,"  from  the  Ebenezer  Church.  See 
"  minutes  of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary  Society," 
where  the  receipt  of  the  money  is  acknowledged. 

At  this  session,  the  association  passed  a  resolution  ap- 
proving of  itinerant  preaching  in  its  bounds. 

Agreeably  to  the  request  of  this  body,  the  churches 
sent  up  delegates  to  Reave's  Chapel,  on  Saturday  before 
the  second  Lord's  day  in  December,  1833.  A  hoard  of 
managers  was  appointed.  Eiders  S.  Pleasant,  E.  Phil- 
lips, G.  W.  Purefoy,  and  N.  Richardson,  were  appointed  to 
ride,  each  three  months  in  the  bounds  of  this  association. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    &  e      5 

(  Isaac  Durham ) 

1.  Antioch Orange <  Samuel  Baldwin.  ...>  18     97 

(  William  Glossan. .  . .  ) 

(  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

2.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  Gera  Lane >  59 

(  Robert  Stinson ) 

*  See  minutes  of  this  tiody  for  1825,  and  years  both  preceding  and  succeed- 
ing, in  this  volume. 


158  A   HISTORY    OP    THE 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    &  §"     a 

C  Stephen  Justice  . . . .  ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange <  Thomas  D.  Oldham.  >  15  130 

(  John  Reeves ) 

4.  Gum  Spring Chatham \  gjjg  Latter'. '. .'.'.'.  \   5    42 

(John  D.  Phillips....  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore <  Leazar  Seawell >  59  111 


J.  Stafford. 


(William  White ) 

6.  May's  Chapel Chatham •?  John  Steadman.  . .    .  >  17     92 

(  Elisha  Burns ) 

(  Enoch  Crutchfield. . .  ) 

7.  Mount  Zion Orange ^  Eli  Coble >    2    45 

(  David  Patterson ) 

8.  Pleasant  Grove  ....     Chatham \  Wllllam  Ragan )  37 

(  James  G.  Brewer.  . .  ) 

William  H.  Bridges.  ) 

Rocky  River Chatham <j  Henry  Dorsett >  24  92* 

M.  D.  Freeman ) 

Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

10.  Sandy  Field Orange <>  H.  Andrews >  19    49 

A.  Hunter   ) 

Willie  B.  Straughan.  ) 

11.  Rock  Spring Chatham... {  Elisha  H.  Straughan  >    4     63 

Charles  S.Fooshee.  ) 

John  Davies   ) 

12.  Fall  Creek Chatham <j  Adkin  Henry >    9    46 

W.H.Harper ) 

David  Kennedy ) 

13.  Mechanic's  Hill Moore <^Matt.Deaton >    5     28 

Conner  Dowd j 

William  Wilson....  ) 

14.  Sandy  Creek Randolph.  ..*..  ^  John  Kivit V    2    60 

William  Reece ) 

'  John  Thompson ....  1 

15.  Reave's  Chapel Chatham {  J.  Watson >  48  111 

Spencer  Marsh ) 

Elders  W.  H.  Merritt  ) 

16.  Mount  Carmel Orange 1  William  Hooper >  10     60 

Thomas  Weaver. .  . .  ) 

Samuel  Dowd ) 

17.  Bear  Creek Chatham ^  Jos.  Harman >  10     56 

Aaron  Womble ) 

'  Sixty-five  were  dismissed  to  form  Love's  Creek  Church. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  159 


No*        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates,     oj     8 

<fq     Eh 
I  Richard  Webster. 

18.  Emmaus Chatham <  Simon  Webster ^  32 

(  Stephen  Moore .  . . 

i  John  Smith 

19.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  A.  P.  Adcock S-  63 


George  W.  Gee. 
20.    Mount  Gilead Chatham Not  represented ....  54 

247  1324 

This  body  convened  in  1834  at  Sandy  Creek  M.  H., 
Randolph  county,  N.  C  ,  on  the  25th  day  of  October. 
Elder  Noah  Richardson  preached  the  association  sermon. 
Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  moderator ;  Elder  N. 
Richardson  was  the  regular  clerk. 

Bethlehem  and  Lick  Creek,  newly-constituted  churches, 
were  received  at  this  meeting. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Liberty,  Elder  Eli  Carrol, 
Joseph  Spergen,  and  Isaac  Beason ;  from  Raleigh 
Brother  Hemy  Williams  ;  from  Pee  Dee,  Jacob  Page  ; 
from  Flat  River,  Elders  Durham  Hall,  and  William  E. 
Oakley  ;  from  Beutah,  John  Stamps. 

Elder  Stephen  Pleasant  accepted  a  seat  as  a  ministering 
brother. 

As  many  were  tenting  on  the  ground,  services  on  the 
Sabbath  commenced  at  nine  o'clock.  Brother  Hawley, 
agent  for  the  American  Tract  Society,  and  Elders  Stephen 
Pleasant,  N.  Richardson,  and  Eli  Phillips,  preached. 

On  Monday,  Brother  Hawley  was  invited  to,  and  ac- 
cepted a  seat  in  the  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the 
following  associations :  to  Flat  River,  T.  D.  Oldham, 
James  Crutchfleld,  G-eorge  Andrews,  and  Enoch  Crutch- 


1G0  A    HISTOKY    OF    THE 

field ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  Thomas  Weaver  and  Levi 
Andrews ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  William  H.  Merritt,  M.  D. 

Freeman,   William   Wilson,  ■  Wright ;  to  Liberty, 

Enoch  Crutchfield,  William  Wilson,  and  David  Patterson ; 
to  Yadkin,  Elder  Eli  Phillips,  and  L.  Hutson  ;  to  Beulah, 
Elders  William  H.  Merritt,  Eli  Phillips,  Noah  Richard- 
son, and  Brethren  Malthus  D.  Freeman,  T.  D.  Oldham, 
William  H.  Bridges,  and  Stephen  Moore. 

The  association  agreed  to  dispense  with  section  meet- 
ings, and  advised  the  churches  in  each  section  to  hold  a 
camp-meeting  annually.  This  advice  was  complied  with 
by  nearly  or  quite  all  of  the  four  sections  into  which  the 
association  was  divided.  At  these  camp-meetings,  many 
were  savingly  converted. 

The  board  of  the  itinerancy  reported  that  Brother  S. 
Pleasant  performed  three  months'  labor ;  George  W. 
Purefoy,  two  months  ;  Eli  Phillips,  forty-five  days  ;  and 
N.  Richardson,  ten  days. 

The  churches  were  advised  to  appoint  one  member  from 
each  church,  to  constitute  an  itinerant  board  for  the 
ensuing  year. 

Query  from  Reave's  Chapel  Church  :  "  Is  it  agreeable 
with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  to  retain  a  brother  in  fellow- 
ship who  publicly  vends  spirituous  liquors,  under  any  cir- 
cumstances V' 

Answer  :  "  If  the  brethren  of  that  church  mean  the 
making  and  vending  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  merchandise,  for 
gain,  we  think  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  gospel  to  retain 
such  a  brother  in  fellowship." 

The  correctness  of  this  answer  will  be  admitted  by  all 
reflecting  minds  that  are  familiar  with  the  Scriptures. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  passed  : 

"  Whereas,  in  our  opinion,  Sabbath  schools  are  a  pow- 
erful means  of  promoting  the  cause  of  morals  and  religion, 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  1G1 

and  are  destined  under  God,  to  be  instrumental  in  extend- 
ing the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  association  feel  thankful 
to  Almighty  God,  that  so  much  has  been  done  in  this 
cause  by  the  American  Sunday  School,  the  past  year,  to 
promote  this  institution  in  this  state,  and  that  we  earnestly 
request  the  continuation  of  their  operation. 

"Resolved,  also,  That  this  association  recommend  to  all 
the  churches  composing  it,  to  do  all  they  can,  by  their 
prayers  and  cooperation,  to  promote  Sabbath  schools." 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  was  prepared  by  Elder 
Noah  Richardson. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.      Churches.  Counties.         Names  of  Delegates.  q  g<     -2 

(  Isaac  Durham ) 

1 .  Antioch Orange <  Lindsey    Edwards. .  >  24  *94 

(  Samuel    Baldwin. . .  ) 

(  Lane  Hutson ) 

2 .  Brush  Creek Randolph <  Samuel  Moffitt >   4     62 

(  Gera  Lane ) 

(  James  Marrow ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange 1  James  Crutchfield..  >    6  136 

(  Thomas  D.  Oldham.  ) 

i     n         a     ■  ni  .a  S  Hezekiah  Harman . .  )     ,      t[. 

4.  Gum  Spring Chatham ^  L  Copeland \   4    46 

(  L.  Sowell ) 

5.  Friendship Moore \  M.   Phillips V  18  \  72 

(  Elder  A.  Shattuck. .  ) 

(  Warren  Brooks ) 

6.  Reave's  Chapel ....     Chatham ^  B.  Brantly >  13  118 

(  Richard  Johnson.  . .  ) 

I  William  T.  Burns .  . .  ) 

7 .  May's  Chapel Chatham <  John  Fooshee >    5     95 

I  N.  R,  Bryan ) 

Enoch  Crutchfield.  .  .  ) 

Mount  Zion Orange <J  H.  Kivit >   4     49 

David  Patterson ) 

*  Thirty-nine  were  dismissed  by  letter  to  form  a  new  church  at  Lick  Creek- 
t  Forty-nine  were  dismissed  to  form  a  new  church  at  Bethlehem. 


162  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


~  ?- 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    &  §" 

(William  H.  Bridges.  ) 

9.   Rocky  River Chatham <  Henry  Dorsett >  51 

(  M.  D.  Freeman j 

I  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

10.  Sandy  Field Orange <  George   Andrews...  >   4    54 

(  Aaron  Tripp ) 

11 .  Rock  Spring Chatham \  £eor-e  ^%man  — -  j.  »    63 

r      °  (  Ransom  C.  roe J 

C  D.  McCrimmon ) 

12.  Mechanic's  Hill Moore 2  M.  Deaton >    3     31 

■      (  M.  Williamson j 

(  Zachens  Boroughs  .  ) 

13.  Fall  Creek Chatham <  J.  Boroughs  >    8    39 

(  Alston  Jones ) 

(  William    Wilson  ■  ■  ■  ) 

14 .  Sandy  Creek Randolph  ....    <  John  Kivit >    1     59 

(  William  Reece ) 

C  Elders   Wm.  Hooper  ) 

15 .  Mount  Carmel Orange <  W.  H.  Merritt >         42 

(  Thomas  Weaver  . . . .  ) 

(  John  Dowd ) 

16.  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  Willis  Phillips >9     67 

(  Atlas  J.  Gilbert ) 

C  Thomas  Clark ) 

17.  Emmaus Chatham -j  S.  H.Webster [   3     34 

(  Stephen  Moore ) 

C  Solomon  Dorsett. .  .  ) 

18.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  Duty  Dorsett >         59 

(  Daniel  Hackney . .  . .  ) 

19 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham \  4m?  Te"?ple ^12    46 

(  \\  llham   Ireorge  ....  J 

C  William   Barrott.  .  .  .  ) 

20.  Bethlehem Moore <  Joseph  G.  Moore .  .  .  >         49 

(  Joel   Seliven ) 

(  J.  Johnson ) 

21.  Lick  Creek Chatham <  William   Glosson...>         39 

(  N".  Robertson ) 

22 .  Pleasant  Grove  ....     Chatham Not  represented 37 


128  1343 


In  1835,  this  body  convened  at  Emmaus  M.  EL,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  G,  on  the  24th  October. 

The  association  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  William 
H.  Merritt. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  163 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  moderator. 

The  newly  constituted  church,  at  Mineral  Spring,  was 
received  at  this  meeting. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations ;  from  Liberty,  James  Evans ;  from  Pee 
Dee,  Elder  John  Culpeper,  sen. ;  from  Beulah  and  Fla 
River,  minutes. 

Ministering  brethren,  Elder  Luther  Rice  and  Brother  F. 
Hawley  were  invited  to  and  accepted  seats. 

On  the  Sabbath,  services  (as  many  were  tenting  on  the 
ground)  commenced  at  9  o'clock.  Elders  John  Culpeper, 
William  Hooper,  Luther  Rice,,  and  Noah  Richardson, 
preached. 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  was  written  by  Elder 
William  Hooper.     His  subject  was  "  Covetousness." 

Corresponding  messengers  were  sent  to  the  following 
associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Thomas  Weaver  and 
Thomas  D.  Oldham  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  Levi  Andrews  and 
Allen  Temple ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  William  H.  Merritt 
and  Eli  Phillips  ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  Enoch  Crutchfield, 
William  Recce,  and  David  Patterson  ;  to  Beulah,  Elders 
William  Hooper,  William  H.  Merritt,  Levi  Andrews  and 
Malthus  D.  Freeman  ;  to  Yadkin,  M.  D.  Freeman,  and 
Lane  Hutson. 

The  exclusion  of  Randolph  Mabiy,  by  the  Cane  Creek 
Church,  for  disorderly  conduct,  Avas  published  in  the  min- 
utes for  this  year.  He  had  been  advertised  before  this  as 
an  excommunicated  minister,  but  had  been  restored. 

The  following  preambles  and  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

"  1.  Whereas,  we  believe  it  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  for  a  Christian  to  buy  and  sell  ne- 
groes, for  the  purpose  of  speculation  or  merchandise,  for 
gain: 


1G4  A    mSTORY    OF    THE 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  association  advise  the 
churches  of  which  it  is  composed,  to  exclude  members  who 
will  not  abandon  the  practice,  after  the  first  and  second 
admonition." 

"  2.  Wliereas,  We  are  of  opinion  that  it  will  give  more 
system,  certainty,  and  weight  to  the  contributions  from  the 
churches  to  the  B.  S.  Convention  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  by  this  Association,  That  the  several 
churches  composing  it  be  advised  to  forward  their  contri- 
butions, intended  for  the  convention,  by  their  messengers 
to  the  association,  stating  the  sum  contributed,  and  naming 
their  delegates  to  the  convention,  and  that  their  several 
moneys,  with  a  statement  of  the  delegates  to  the  conven- 
tion, be  forwarded  in  one  general  letter,  by  a  minister  of 
this  association,  to  the  convention 

"  Resolved,  That  Saturday  before  the  second  Sabbath  in 
December  next,  be  observed  by  all  the  members  of  the 
several  churches  composing  this  association,  as  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer,  for  a  revival  of  religion  in  this  associ- 
ation, and  generally  throughout  the  world." 

The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  association  at 
this  time  were  Elders  William  Hooper,  W.  IT.  Merritt, 
Thomas  Weaver,  Eli  Phillips,  Artemas  Shattuck,  Levi 
Andrews,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  Malthus  D.  Freeman  and 
Noah  Richardson,  and  about  seven  licentiates. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


(  Samuel   Baldwin. 

1 .  Antioch Orange ■?  Isaac  Durham \         92 

(  Lindsey   Edwards. 

i  Lane  Hut  son 

2 .  Brush  Creek Randolph \  Samuel  Moffitt £-5    64 


Gera  Lane 


(  James  Marrow .  . . 

3.  Cane  Creek Oranee \  James  Crutchfield . .  \   8    83 

{ Thomas D.  Oldham.. 


52 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  165 

No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates,      .5  a*     ■§ 

*■   GumSP^ Chatham   {  S^^den .' .'  \  \\    41 

C  John  D.Phillips 1 

5 .  Friendship Moore <  Jesse  Stafford >    6     79 

(  L.  Q.  Sowell ) 

C  John  Watson ) 

o .  Reave's  Chapel Chatham <  Andrew   Headen ...  >  10  *90 

(  Aaron  Emerson  . . . .  ) 

(  John  Fooshee ) 

7 .  May's  Chapel Chatham <  William  White >  25  108 

(  William  Eoe ) 

(  Elder   E.  Crutchfield  ) 

8.  Mount  Zion Orange <  H.  Kivit >    1     39 

(  David  Patterson . . . .  ) 

9 .  Rocky  River Chatham \  *""*  B™s% :y~\ 

}  (  William  H.  Bridges.  J 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

10.  Sandy  Field Orange ^  Thomas  Lloyd V    1    53 

(  Ruffin  Andrews  . . . .  ) 

(  Geo.  W.  Thompson..  ) 

11 .  Eock  Spring Chatham 1  Willie  B.  Straughan.  >    3     G3 

(  Henry  Hatch ) 

£  David  Kennedy . . . .  ) 

12 .  Mechanic's  Hill Moore <  Conner  Dowel >    2     33 

(T.Williams ) 

(  Z.  Boroughs ) 

13 .  Fall  Creek Chatham 1  John  Boroughs >    1    41 

(  William  Harper  .  .  .  .  ) 

C  John  Kiyit ) 

14.  Sandy  Creek Bandolph <  Jesse  Scotten > 

(  William  Reece ) 

I  Elders  Wm.  Hooper  ) 

15.  Mount  Carmel Orange <  William  H.  Merritt.  >         42 

(  Thomas  Weaver.  ...  5 

(Willis  Coggin ) 

16.  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  A.  Womble 9    67 

(  Joseph  Harman.  ...  5 

C  Stephen  Moore ) 

17.  Emmaus Chatham \  R.  Webster }         30 

/S.F.Webster ) 

(William  Bray 1 

18.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  R.  Roson. ." >         5 

(  Hackney  Smith. . . .  J 

*  Dismissed  35  to  form  a  new  church,  at  Mineral  Spring. 


166  A   HISTOBY    OF    THE 


No.     Chit:  ches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.      £ 


C  Allen  Temple . 
<  John 


19 .   Mount  Gilead Chatham ^  John  Hammock I         43 

(Mark  By  nam J 

*>    Bethlehem Moore {  £^2,!  ""}   ■     » 

(  Nath.   Robertson  . .  .  ) 

21.   Lick  Creek Chatham <  Bird  Gean S.    3    41 

f  Harlan  Beaver I 


22 .  Pleasant  Grove . .   .     Chatham \  SS^fe™ \   1 

(  James  1$.  Brewer. .  .  5 


23 


(  Samu<d  Dowd . 


23.   Mineral  Sprang Chatham. <  William  Culberson. .  >    1     28 

(  W.  Brooks ) 

87  1227 

In  1836,  this  body  met  at  Mount  Gilead  11  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  X.  C,  on  the  22d  of  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Levi 
Andrews. 

Appointed  Elder  Eli  Phillips  moderator ;  Elder  Noah 
Richardson  was  its  clerk. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Beulah,  John  Redding ;  from 
Liberty,  James  Evans  ;  from  Raleigh,  Elder  George  W. 
Purefoy.  Elders  James  Dennis,  J.  Culpeper,  sen.,  and 
H.  A.  Wilcox,  from  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  agent  for 
the  A.  B.  Home  Mission  Society,  were  invited  to  and  ac- 
cepted seats  in  the  association. 

Elders  James  Dennis,  of  the  Raleigh  Association,  W. 
H.  Wilcox,  and  Is.  Richardson,  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

As  the  brother  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter  for 
this  year  failed  to  prepare  one,  the  tract  called  the  Circu- 
lar Letter  of  the  Hudson  River  Association,  on  the  subject 
of  close  communion,  was,  by  order  of  the  association,  at- 
tached to  the  minutes. 

A   committee,    consisting   of  Elders    Dennis,    Wilcox, 


A 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  1G7 

Merritt,  and  Crutchfield,  and  Brother  William  White, 
was  appointed  to  inquire  and  report  the  cause  of  the  pres- 
ent low  state  of  religion  in  the  churches.  They  made  the 
following  exceedingly  interesting  report : 

I.    THE   CAUSES. 

1 .  We  think  that  pride,  arising  from  worldly  prosperity. 

2.  A  conformity  to  the  world,  its  fashions,  and  customs. 

3.  The  neglect  of  seci'et  prayer,  self-examination,  and  per- 
sonal holiness.  4.  The  neglect  of  family  prayer,  and  train- 
ing up  of  our  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.  5.  The  omission  of  keeping  the  Sabbath  Day 
holy,  and  suffering  our  children  and  domestics  to  violate 
the  holy  command.  6.  We  think  that  the  making,  using, 
and  vending  of  ardent  spirits,  is  a  bane  to  the  life  of  religion, 
both  in  the  soul  of  the  individual  and  the  community.  7. 
The  neglect  of  the  Bible,  and  attending  on  the  administra- 
tion of  the  word  of  life. 

II.    THE    REMEDIES ABRIDGED. 

1.  Self-examination.  2.  Faithful  discharge  of  secret 
prayer.  3.  "  Be  not  conformed  to  thi3  world,  but  be  ye 
transformed,"  &c.  4.  Faithful  discharge  of  family  prayer. 
5.  Strict  observance  of  the  Sabbath.  6.  Quitting  mak- 
ing, using,  or  vending  ardent  spirits.  7.  The  faithful  and 
prayerful  reading  of  God's  word. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations:  to  Flat  River,  Elders  Merritt  and 
Weaver  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  L.  Andrews  and  Brother  Allen 
Temple ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Merritt  and  Richardson,  and 
Brother  Stephen  Moore  ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  Crutchfield, 
Phillips,  and  Freeman,  and  Brother  David  Patterson  ;  to 


1G8  A    HISTORY    OF  THE 

Beulah,  Elders  Hooper,  Crutchfield,  and  Freeman ;  to 
Yadkin,  Brethren  John  Hutson,  Henry  Dorsett,  and  Wil- 
liam Wilson. 

A  letter  of  dismission  was  granted  to  Cane  Creek  Church 
to  join  the  Beulah  Association. 

While  the  association  was  in  session,  intelligence  of  the 
death  of  Elder  Luther  Rice  was  received.  The  associ- 
ation, in  a  lengthy  preamble  and  resolutions,  expressed 
the  high  esteem  they  had  for  him  as  a  Christian  and  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  and  the  great  veneration  which  they 
had  for  his  character,  and  the  heartfelt  satisfaction  with 
which  they  had  witnessed  his  self-denying  and  arduous 
labors. 

Elder  Luther  Rice  was  one  of  the  most  talented,  labo- 
rious, and  self-sacrificing  ministers  that  ever  lived.  He 
was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance — was  large,  tall, 
well-proportioned,  florid,  and  of  fair  complexion,  round 
face,  dark  hair,  and  exceedingly  expressive  black  eyes. 
He  lived  for  G-od  and  his  church  ;  his  time  and  means 
were  all  spent  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  Elder  Rice,  in  con- 
nection with  Elder  Adoniram  Judson,  went  to  Burmah  as 
Pedo-hapt'ist  missionaries,  though  they  sailed  in  different 
vessels.  Each  spent  his  time,  during  the  voyage,  investi- 
gating the  mode  and^  subjects  of  baptism.  They  com- 
menced this  investigation  to  prepare  themselves  to  be  able 
to  meet  the  Baptist  missionaries  that  were  already  on  the 
ground  to  which  they  were  going.  The  investigation  re- 
sulted in  a  complete  change  of  sentiment.'  When  they  met 
in  Burmah,  to  their  mutual  surprise,  they  found  that  each 
had  become  a  Baptist  in  sentiment  during  the  voyage ! 
They  were  at  a  great  loss  what  to  do  ;  they  could  not  act 
in  connection  with  the  board  that  sent  them  out ;  if  they 
became  Baptists  they  would  be  without  any  means  of  sup- 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  169 

port,  for  the  Baptists  of  the  United  States  had  no  foreign 
mission  operations.  They  finally  agreed  to  obey  God  in 
the  ordinance  of  baptism,  regardless  of  consequences. 
They  were  both  baptized.  Elder  Judson  remained  in  Bur- 
mah,  Elder  Rice  returned  to  the  United  States,  and  visited 
the  Baptist  churches  and  associations.  They  immediately 
raised  funds  to  keep  Brother  Judson  in  the  foreign  mission 
field.  As  soon  as  the  missionary  spirit  was  sufficiently 
alive,  Elder  Rice  set  to  work  to  found  a  Baptist  college. 
The  Columbian  College,  at  Washington  city,  is  the  fruit 
of  his  self-sacrificing  life.  This  college,  and  American  for- 
eign  missions,   with    their   glorious   results,    constitute   his 

MONUMENT. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  so  few  young  men  were  enter- 
ing the  ministry,  to  supply  the  places  of  those  that  must 
shortly  leave  their  work,  and  enter  into  rest,  the  associ- 
ation passed  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  1.  Therefore,  Resolved,  That  we  observe  the  first  Mon- 
day in  March  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer 
to  Almighty  God,  that  he  would  send  forth  more  laborers 
into  his  harvest. 

"  2.  Resolved,  furthermore,  That  we  observe  the  first  Mon- 
day in  April  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer  to 
the  Lord,  for  a  revival  of  religion  among  our  churches, 
and  throughout  all  Christendom." 

Resolutions  were  passed  welcoming  Elder  Wilcox,  agent 
of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  and  urg- 
ing the  churches  to  give  said  society  a  liberal  support. 
Business  was  suspended,  and  a  collection  taken  among  the 
delegates,  in  behalf  of  that  society,  amounting  to  §23. 

The  committee  to  receive  contributions  for  the  Baptist 
S.  Convention,  reported  as  follows  :  Received  from  M.  A. 
Phillips,  50  cents;  from  Mount  Zion  church,   $10;  from 


170  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

Fall  Creek,  $5  ;  from  Bear  Creek,  $5  ;  from  Bethlehem, 
$6  20  ;  from  Mineral  Spring,  $4  10  ;  from  Solomon  Dor- 
sett,  50  cents ;  from  J.  Williams,  50  cents ;  from  A. 
Headen,  $1  50  ;  from  Elder  Thomas  Weaver,  50  cents  ; 
from  J.  Freeman,  $1  ;  from  Elder  William  H.  Merritt, 
$100  for  Judson's  translation  of  the  Bible  in  Burmah, 
and  for  home  missions  and  education,  $5  each.  All  of 
which  was  paid  to  Elder  M.  D.  Freeman,  to  take  to  the 
Baptist  State  Convention. 

The  brethren  and  friends  camped  upon  the  ground  at 
this  meeting.  The  association,  by  a  resolution,  requested 
the  ministers  to  attend  a  camp  meeting  the  next  fall,  at 
this  place. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    j2  a      g 


(  John  Durham ) 

<  Isaac.  Durham > 

(  Lindsey  Edwards.  . .  j 


1 .  Antioch Orange <  Isaac.  Durham f         85 

(  Lindsey  Edw< 

%  C  John  Hutson ) 

2 .  Brush  Creek Eandolph <  Gera  Lane >         63 

(  Robert  Stinson ) 

(  James  Morrow ) 

3.  Cane  Creek Orange \  Thomas  D.  Oldham..  }   3    83 


3G 


'  James  Crutchfield. 
4.   Gum  Spring Chatham \  SariS^! '.  } 

I  John  Phillips ) 

6 .   Friendship Moore <  E.  Q.  So  well >    6     84 

(  Mark  A.  Phillips ....) 

i  James  Freeman ) 

6.  Reave's  Chapel Chatham <  John  Burke >  83 

(Terrell  Brooks ) 

(  William  White ) 

7.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  John  Fooshee >    1  120 

(  Vincent  May ) 

i  Elder  E.  Crutchfield.  ) 

8 .  Mount  Zion Orange <  Henry  Ki vit >  39 

(  David  Patterson . . . .  ) 

9-aockyEive, Chatham {  gg  g^  fc  \  \  i\  \         51 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  171 


No.        Churches.  Counties. 

'     g 
(  Elder  Levi  Andrews.  ) 

10.  Sandy  Field Orange <  Aaron  Tripp >    1     54 

(  George  Andrews....  ) 

i  Geo.  W.  Thompson.  ) 

11.  Eock  Spring Chatham 1  G.  C.  Straughan >    3     57 

I  E.  Poe ) 

I  Conner  Dowd ) 

12.  Mechanic's  Hill....     Moore \  M.  Deaton >    1     33 

I  M.Williams ) 

William  Harper ) 

13.  Fall  Creek Chatham <>  John  Boroughs >         41 


(.  William 
<  John  Bo 
(  John  Do 


14 .  Sandy  Creek Eandolph \  ^n  Kiv't/.1 \ 

.  (  William  Wilson  ....  J 

(  Elders  Wm.  Hooper  .  ) 

15.  Mount  Carmel Orange •;  W.  H.  Merritt >         44 

(  Thomas  Weaver  . . . .  ) 

(  John  Dowd ) 

16 .  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  A.  Womble >         C4 

(  Willis  Phillips ) 


(  Bichard  Webster  . .  .  ) 

17.   Emmaus Chatham 1  S.  F.  Webster >    1     30 

(  Stephen  Moore ) 


Solomon  Dorsett . . 

18 .   Love's  Creek C  liatham <J  Uriah  Hinson  .... 

William  Smith  .... 


Joshua  Williams  .  . .  ) 

19 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Allen  Temple >         40 

John  Hammock ) 

William  Barrott ) 

20 .  Bethlehem Moore <J  Jesse  Sowell 6     CO 

William  Phillips  . . . .  ) 

Jesse  Johnson ) 

21 .  Lick  Creek Chatham <J  William  Glosson  ....       1     37 

Samuel  Lewis ) 


22. 


Pleasant  Grove  ....     Chatham \  ^es  Q- Brewer- .  . .  )  3Q 

}  William  Bagan ) 

I        I  Allen  D.  Jones ) 

23.  Mineral  Spring ....     Chatham ^  John  Gee >         40 

William  Blackman . .  ) 

24  1216 


172  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

This  body  met  in  1837  at  Mineral  Spring  M.  H., 
Chatham  county,  N.  O,  on  the  21st  day  of  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Enoch 
Crutchfield.     Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  modei'ator. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the 
following  associations  :  from  Pee  Dee,  Elder  John  Cul- 
peper,  Sen.,  and  A.  Leach  ;  from  Raleigh,  Brethren  Henry 
Williams  and  Marmaduke  Williams  ;  from  Beulah,  Elder 
Stephen  Pleasant  and  T  D.  Oldham ;  from  Liberty, 
Jas.  Evans  ;  from  Yadkin,  Elder  W.  Swanson. 

Elders  S.  Pleasant  and  N.  Richardson  preached  on  Sab- 
bath. 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  funds  for  the  Bap- 
tist State  Convention,  reported  that  $10  from  Elder  W. 
H.  Merritt,  and  $11  60,  from  public  collection  on  Sab- 
bath, were  received. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  Merritt  and 
Weaver,  and  Brother  William  Barbee  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder 
Eli  Phillips,  John  Fooshee,  and  William  White ;  to  Beu- 
lah, Elders  W.  H.  Merritt,  M.  D.  Freeman,  and  Brother 
David  Patterson  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Richardson,  Phil- 
lips, and  Shattuck  ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  Freeman,  Crutch- 
field,  and  Brother  William  Wilson ;  to  Yadkin,  Freeman, 
Wilson,  and  Crutchfield. 

Petitions  from  P.  P.  Smith  and  F.  A.  Demmings,  who 
had  been  excommunicated  by  the  church  at  Reave' s  Chapel, 
were  received,  requesting  the  association  to  send  an  ad- 
visory committee  to  said  church,  to  examine  into  the  pro- 
ceedings in  their  cases,  and  labor  for  a  reconciliation.  The 
association  complied  with  their  request.  The  committee 
attended,  and  after  hearing  a  statement  of  the  cases,  they 
unanimously  approved  of  the  conduct  of  the  church  in  their 
exclusion. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  173 

The  association,  by  a  resolution,  cordially  approved  of 
the  organization  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
ciety, in  April,  1836,  and  further  said  :  "  We  should 
exert  ourselves,  as  necessity  may  require,  to  give  the  Bible, 
properly  translated,  to  the  whole  human  family." 

The  Christian  world  is  indebted  to  the  Baptist,  for 
religious  liberty.*  To  them  is  the  credit  due,  for  the  first 
grand  and  praiseworthy  effort  to  give  &  faithful  and  true 
translation  of  the  Scriptures  in  all  languages. 

The  churches  of  this  body  were  advised  ' '  to  pay  more 
attention  to  Sabbath-schools  and  temperance  societies." 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Naines  of  Delegates. 


£ 


(  Samuel  Baldwin..  . . 

1.  Antioch Orange <  Isaac  Durham ^> 

(  Lindsey  Edwards. 

(  Abram  Lane 

2.  Brash  Creek Randolph <  Samuel  Moffitt }■      1       59 

(  John  Hutson 

(Willis  Goggin.... 

3.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Zacheus  Boroughs  . .  )>      2       73 

f  A.  Womble 


I  James  Dowdy. .  . . 

i.    Bethlehem Moore <  Leonard  Lawhorn. 

(  D.  Bryant 

.     r,  r,,    .t  {  Thomas  Clark  . . . 

o.    Emmaus Chatham...  . 


'  I  Albert  Webster S  30 

i  John  D.  Phillips  . . . .  ) 

6.  Friendship Moore 1  M.  A.  Phillips >      3       79 

(  Jas.  Mather ) 

(  Bryant  Boroughs . . . .  ) 

7.  FallCreek Cha.ham <  A.  Jones V  27 

(  Micajah  Griffin ) 

c,     n         a  p.    ..  5  Hardy  Lasater )      -.        OQ 

8.  Gum  Spring Chatham •>  wm£m  Thomas. . . .  \      1       38 

9-    Lick  Creek Chatham {  wiffiSi  Eoberteon. '.  \     l      38 

*  See   "  Struggles   and  Triumphs   of   Religious    Liberty,"   by   Edmund    B. 
Underbill,  Esq.    London. 


174 


A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No.                Churches.  Court 

10.  Love's  Creek Chatham 

11.  May's  Chapel Chatham. 

12.  Mount  Zion Orange. . 

13.  Mechanic's  Hill. . 


Names  of  Delegates.     j§  '§•     o 


I  Duty  Dorsett.  .. 
<  George  W.  Gee. 
(  Uriah  Hinson. . 

"William  White. 
John  Fooshee . . 
John  Gil-more . . 


Henry  Kivit 

David  Patterson .... 
Elder  E.  Crutchfield. 


(  Connor  Dowd . . 

Moore <  D.  M'Crimmon. 

(  M.  Williams .  . . 


14.  Mount  Carmel. .  .     Orange 

15.  Mount  Gilead . . . 


Elders  W.  H.  Merritt 
Thomas  Weaver. 
Bro.  William  Barbee  ' 


16.  Mineral  Spring.. 

17.  Pleasant  Grove.. 

18.  Reave's  Chapel. . 

19.  Rocky  River 

20.  Rock  Spring 

21.  Sandy  Creek 

22.  Sandy  Field 


Mark  Bynum. 

Chatham <?  James  Brown 

Robert  Hackney . . 

Atlas  Dowd 

Chatham ^  Warren  Brooks.  . . 

A.  H.  Lawhom.  . . 


Andrew  Headen 

Chatham <J  J.  Sellars , 

S.  Ellis 


Chatham. 


Chatham.. 


Randolph. 


Orange.. 


Henry  Dorsett 

D. Johnson 

William  H.  Bridges. 

i  G.  W.  Thompson.  . . 
<  Stephen  Moore.  . . .'. 
(  W.  B.  Straughan.... 

William  Wilson 

John  Kivit 

William  Reece 

Thomas  Lloyd 
Elder  Levi  Andre 
A.  Andrews 


ws  > 


1      45 


2    117 


36 


31 


45 


46 


40 


Chatham \  William  Ragan ; 

}  Ensley  Counsu )  "° 

'■  >  68 


47 
60 
20 
53 


24  1128 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  175 

In  If  38,  this  association  met  at  Moon's  Chapel,  in 
Randolph  county,  N.  C,  on  the  Saturday  before  the  fourth 
Lord's  day  in  October. 

Elder  Samuel  Wait,  president  of  Wake  Forest  Insti- 
tute, delivered  the  introductory  sermon.  Elder  William 
H.  Merritt  was  chosen  moderator.  Elder  Artemas  Sbat- 
tuck  was  invited  to,  and  accepted  a  seat  in  the  association, 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the 
following  associations  :  Elders  Eli  Carroll  and  Benj.  Lanier, 
and  Brother  D.  Hofman,  from  Liberty  ;  Elder  Samuel 
Wait  and  Brother  William  Haul,  from  Pee  Dee  ;  T.  D. 
Oldham  and  James  Crutchfield,  from  Beulah ;  Samuel 
P.  Norris,  from  Ealeigh ;  Elder  Richard  Jacks,  from 
Yadkin. 

Elders  E.  Jacks,  S.  Wait,  and  N.  Richardson,  preached 
on  Sabbath. 

The  committee  to  receive  funds  for  the  Baptist  State 
Convention,  reported  as  follows  : 

Public  collection  on  Sabbath $15   68£ 

Mount  Zion  Church 10  00 

Elder  William  H.  Merritt 10  00 

Total $35  68£ 

Elders  W.  H.  Merritt,  M.  D.  Freeman,  and  Brother 
Augustus  W.  Bynum,  were  appointed  delegates  to  the 
Baptist  State  Convention. 

Resolutions  were  passed  recommending  Wake  Forest 
Institute  to  the  contributions  and  prayers,  and  the  Recorder 
and  Watchman  to  the  patronage  of  the  churches  of  this  body. 

The  articles  of  faith,  as  adopted  in  1816,  were  re- 
published. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  furnished  by  Elder 
M.  D.  Freeman. 


176  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the 
following  associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Weaver,  Samuel 
Baldwin,  Lindsey  Edwards,  and  Anderson  Jean ;  to 
Raleigh,  Elders  Phillips,  Richardson,  and  Levi  Andrews  ; 
to  Beulah,  Elders  Merritt  and  Crutchfield,  and  Brethren 
William  H.  Bridges  and  Henry  Dorsett ;  to  Pee  Dee, 
Elders  Phillips  and  Shattuck,  and  Brethren  Lane  Hutson 
and  Benj.  Phillips;  to  Liberty,  Elders  M.  D.  Freeman 
and  Artemus  Shattuck,  and  John  Hutson  and  G-era  Lane  ; 
to  Yadkin,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  William  Wilson,  and 
Lane  Hutson. 

Section  meetings  were  again  introduced  into  the  asso- 
ciation, and  ministers  appointed  to  attend  each  of  the 
four  sections. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.  Churches.  Counties  Names  of  Delegates.  ',      S31    I 

(.  Lindsey  Edwards.  . .  ) 
1.    Antioch Orange \  Samuel  Baldwin. . .  >     1       70 


\ 


(  Isaac  Durham . 

£  John  Hutson . 

2.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  Samuel  Moffitt ^~  53 

(  Gera  Lane . 

C  J.  Dowd ) 

3.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  W.  R.  Stinson V      3       73 

{  Aaron  Womble ) 

(Benjamin  Phillips..  ) 

4.  Bethlehem Moore <  Harden  Warner . . . .  >  63 

(  M.  Graham ) 

5.  Emmaus Chatham \  ^las  C1*rk  V I  25 

(  Sidney  Foosnee  . . . .  ) 

(  John  Phillips ) 

6.  Friendship Moore <  E.  Q.  So  well >  76 

I  Mark  A.  Phillips. . . .  ) 

7.  Gum  Spring Chatham J  Id  ^win**" \     2      40 

f.  A.  Dean } 

8.  Lick  Creek Chatham <  William  Glosson. . .  .  >  35 

/  William  Robertson. .  ) 


SANDY    CHEEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION. 


177 


JVo.            <£}uirches. 
$.    Love's  Creek 

10.  May's  Chapel ... . 

11.  Mount  Zion 

3.2.  Mouat  Carmel . .  . 

13.  Mount  >Gilead. . . . 

3.4.  Mineral  .Spring. . 

15.  Pleasant  <G rove. . 

16.  Eeave's  Chapsl. . 

17.  RockySpring.... 

3.8.  Rocky  Rivei 

0.9.  Sandy  Creek 

•20.  Sandy  Field 

21.  Fall  Creek 

22.  Mechanic's  Hill.. 


Chatham. 


Chatham., 


;;! 


Chatham 


IM. 

(W. 


1      46 


7     123 


;;} 


36 


sa 


46 


39 


•Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.    >?  a      * 

'Duty  Dorsett 

George  W.  Gee 

I  Benjamin  Rossen. . . 

John  Roe ._ 

B.  S.  Burns .. 

{  William  Bryan 

I  Elder  E.  Crutchfield. 

Orange. <  David  Patterson .... 

(S.  Aldridge 

.£  Elders  W.  H.  Merritt 
Orange <  Thomas  Weaver .... 

(  Bio.  Wm.  Barbee.  . . 

I  Mark  Bynum.  .. 
■Chatham <  Robert  Hackney 

(  H.  J.  Stone 

i  Samuel  Dowd.. . . . 
Chatham <  William  Culberson. 

(  A.  Adcock. 

Chatham i  Augustus  W.  Byuum  )     1Q    39 

■<  \>  llliam  Ragan J 

I  John  Burke 

Chatham <  Brooks  Brantly 

(  Talton  Johnson 

X  Elisha  Poe 

Chatham <  J.  Thompson 

Elisha  H.Straughan 

,  M.  D.  Freeman 

Dorsett 

H.  Bridges 

■{  William  Reece 

Randolph <  Lane  Kutson 

.(  William  Wilson .... 

£  George  And-ews 
Orange <  Ruffan  Andrews. 

\  Alexander  Hunter 

Chatham Not  represented 

Moore. ^Not  represented 


50 


55 


24 


21    79 

29 
31 

54  109S 


In  1839,  this  association  -convened  at  Antioch  M.  H., 
'Orange  county,  N.  C,  -on  the  2Ctli  day  of  October. 

Elder  N.  Richardson  preached  the  intreductory  sermon. 
Elder  p]li  Phillips  was  -chosen  moderator,  and  Elder  M. 
D.  Freeman,  assistant  clerk.     Elder  N.  Richardson  was 

9 


178  A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

the  regular  clerk,  and   continued   in  office  until    1855,  at 
which  time  he  resigned. 

Corresponding  messengers  "were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Flat  River,  "William  Duskin  ; 
from  Pee  Dee,  A.  N.  Nicholson  and  Alexander  Leach  ;. 
from  Liberty,  Elder  Peter  Owen ;  from  Beulah,  Elder 
George  W.  Purefoy  ;  from  Yadkin,  Elder  Barton  Roby  -} 
from  Paleigh,  minutes,  by  Elder  G.  W.  Purefoy. 

Elders  Eli  Phillips,  Noah  Richardson,  and  Enoch 
Crutchfield,  preached  on  Sabbath. 

The  association  recommended  all  the  churches  within  its- 
bounds,  "  to  organize  themselves  into  Sabbath  schools,  and 
in  future,  to  insert  in  their  church  letters,  yearly,  the  state 
of  their  respective  schools,  specifying  the  number  of  teach- 
ers and  scholars,"  &c. 

On  motion — Resolved,  "  To  attach  to  these  minutes,  a 
circular  letter,  found  in  the  minutes  of  the  Beulah  Associ- 
ation, on  the  '  importance  of  education  among  ministers 
of  the  gospel.'  'r 

This  circular  was  written  by  Elder  George  W.  Purefoy. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Jehu  M.  Beaver,  Elisha  H. 
Straughan,  and  Elder  Warren  Brooks ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder 
M.  D.  Freeman  and  Robert  Hackney ;  to  Beulah,  Elders. 
E.  Crutchfield,  Thomas  Weaver,  and  William  H.  Merritt, 
and  Brethren  David  Patterson  and  Lane  Hutson  ;  to  Pee 
Dee,  Elders  Eli  Phillips,  E.  Crutchfield,  and  Warren, 
Brooks  ;  to  Yadkin,  Elder  Eli  Phillips,  Lane  Hutson  and 
William  Wilson.  The  committee  appointed  to  receive 
contributions  for  the  B.  S.  Convention,  reported  as  fol- 
lows: Public .  collection  on  the  Sabbath,  $12  00;  from 
churches  and  individuals,  $26  50,  which  amount  was  sent 
to  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  by  Elder  M.  D.  Freeman 
and  Warren  Durham » 


SANDY    CKEEK    BArTIST   ASSOCIATION.  179 

Query  from  the  church  at  Pleasant  Grove :  "  Is  it  con- 
sistent with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  according  to  the 
Scriptures,  for  any  regular  Baptist  church  to  receive  into 
her  fellowship  any  member  or  members  of  another  denom- 
ination, who  have  been  baptized  by  immersion,  without 
baptizing  them  again  V 

Answer  :   "  We  think  it  is  not." 

The  vote  on  this  query,  was  unanimous.  The  Baptist 
is  the  only  denomination  that  is  not  guilty  of  schism — of 
making  a  division  when  it  came  into  existence.  They 
existed  prior  to  any  pedobaptist  denomination  now  in  ex- 
istence. Baptists  have  never  seceded  from  any  other  de- 
nomination. All  other  denominations  have  either  seceded 
from  Rome  or  one  another ;  they  made  a  division  when 
they  came  into  existence,  instead  of  receiving  their  bap- 
tisms as  valid,  they  are  to  be  marked  and  avoided  for  caus- 
ing divisions.  Romans  xvi.  17. 

We  cannot  admit  the  validity  of  their  baptisms  without 
admitting  that  they  are  true  and  scriptural  gospel  churches, 
if  we  do  this  we  unchurch  ourselves,  for  God  never  set  up 
or  authorized  but  one  Christian  denomination.  He  is  not 
the  author  of  confusion,  or  of  antagonistic  denomina- 
tions. 

The  Baptist  is  the  only  denomination  that  can  claim  de- 
scent from  the  apostolic  churches,  through  the  true  perse- 
cuted and  witnessing  church,  that  fled  into  the  wilderness 
for  12G0  years.   See  Rev.  xii.  6  and  14. 

That  the  Baptists  have  descended  from  this  true  church 
is  susceptible  of  the  clearest  proof,  This  is  not  true  of 
any  other  denomination.  We  all  know  the  day  when,  and 
the  man  or  men  who  set  them  up,  and  not  one  of  them 
had  existence  before  A.  D.  1500.  Ordinances  cannot  be 
validly  administered  by  both   Baptists  and  Pedobaptists, 


1 


180  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

God  is  not  the  author  of  but  one  of  them,  consequently, 
we  cannot  receive  members  upon  baptism  administered  by 
them,  without  repudiating  the  ordinances  administered  by 
ourselves. 

We  have  no  right  to  admit  the  validity  of  baptism  ad- 
ministered by  those  who  were  once  Baptists  and  have  sece- 
ded from  us,  for  they  in  doing  this,  caused  a  division,  for 
which  they  are  to  be  marked  and  avoided.  See  Romans, 
xvi.  17. 

A  committee  was  sent  to  Mechanic's  Hill  and  Fall 
Creek  churches  to  inquire  into  the  cause  of  their  failing  to 
represent  themselves  in  this  association. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  passed  : 
Whereas,  Some  of  the  churches  have  not  carried  out 
the  views  of  the  association,  as  expressed  in  answer  to  the 
query  from  Heave's  Chapel,  some  years  ago,  that  "  it  is 
inconsistent  with  the  gospel  to  make  or  vend  ardent  spirits, 
as  merchandise,  for  gain  ;"  and  whereas,  it  is  the  duty  of 
this  association  to  inform,  correct,  and  give  instruction  in 
matters  of  discipline  to  the  respective  churches — 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  association  disapprobate 
and  censure  the  conduct  of  any  church  retaining  in  fellow- 
ship a  member  who  makes,  vends,  or  uses,  in  any  way,  only 
as  a  medicine,  ardent  spirits. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  Q-  §«     ■" 


(  Samuel  Baldwin. . .  .  ) 

1.  Antioch Orange.. <  Thomas  Durham >    43     112 

(  Jehu  M.  Beaver. . . .  j 

(  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

2.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  John  Hutson >  51 


Gera  Lane . 


(  A.  G.  Gilbert. 

3.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  James  Boroughs  ■■■}     1       73 

(  Solomon  Elli 


rt ) 

'Ughs  .  . .  > 
lis ) 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  181 


No.       Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.         ^  §• 

Joseph  G-.  Moore. . .  . 

Bethlehem Moore <  L.  Lawhorn J>      1       65 

Willis  Dowd 


(  Albert  Webster. 

Emmaus Chatham <  Sidney  Fooshee ^>  28 

(  Claborn  Justice 

(Elder  Eli  Phillips. 

Friendship Moore <  Jesse  Stafford }■     7      72 

(  James  Matthews. 


■:•;} 

7-   *-  ^ Chatham {  ^'Z^.  ""}     *       « 

C  William  Jean ) 

8.  LickCreek Chatham <  William  Robertson. .  >  30 

(  William  Jj-losson. .  . .  j     .. 

(  Daniel  Hackney. . .  .  ) 

9.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  Warren  Durham >      2       49 

(  William  Carter ) 

C  John  Gilmore j 

10.  May's  Chapel Chatham -j  Thomas  Farish >     4    168 

(  Jordan  Tyser ) 

I  Enoch  Crutchfield..  ) 

11.  Mount  Zion Orange <  David  Patterson. ..  .  >      2       38 

^H.  Kivit ) 

(  Elder  Thos.  Weaver  ) 

12 .  Mount  Carmel . . .     Orange <  William  Barbee >    23       60 

(  Alfred  Boothe ) 

I  Allen  Temple ) 

13.  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Robert  Hackney  ....  >  40 

(  Haywood  J.  Stone . .  ) 

(William  Bowen ) 

14.  Mineral  Spring...     Chatham ■>  J.  C.White [>    33      71 

(  David  Foster ) 

(  William  Clark ) 

15 .  Pleasant  Grove . .     Chatham <  William  Ragan >     4      38 

(  Josiah  Farrow ) 

(  Andrew  Headen . . . .  ) 

16.  Reave's  Chapel. .     Chatham <  Timothy  Brooks >      3       76 

(  Benjamin  Moody. .  .  ) 

(  Henry  Dorsett ) 

17.  RockaRiver Chatham <  William  H,  Bridges.  >    15       63 

(  William  Teague ) 


IW.  B.  Straughau...  ) 

18.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  R.  C.  Poe > 

i  E.  H.  Straughan. ...) 


58 


182  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  ^  §•     ■g 

teifq     Ei 
(  Lane   Hutson ) 

19.  Sandy  Creek Randolph \  Leaader  Kivit }     6      38 

(  William  Wilson ....) 

(  Archibald  Andrews.  ) 

20.  Sandy  Field. . .   .     Orange <  Aaron  Tripp V  80 

(George  Andrews...  J 

21.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented 27 

22.  Mechanic's  Hill..     Moore Not  represented 31 

202  1245 

In  1840,  this  body  met  at  May's  Chapel  M.  H.  in  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  24th  day  of  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Enoch 
Crutchfield. 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  appointed  moderator  and  Elder 
A.  Shattuck  assistant  clerk. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  Avere  present  from  the 
following  associations  :  from  Flat  River,  Noah  Trice  ;  from 
Raleigh,  Samuel  P.  Noi'ris ;  from  Liberty,  Isaac  Beason 
and  John  Charles  ;  from  Yadkin,  Elder  Barton  Roby  and 
William  Hamner ;  from  Pee  Dee,  A.  Leach  :  from  Beu- 
lah,  Elder  George  TV.  Purefoy. 

On  Sabbath,  Elders  James  McDaniel,  Noah  Richard- 
son, and  William  T.  Brantly,  jun.,  preached. 

Brethren  G.  W.  Thompson,  William  H.  Bridges,  John 
Fooshee,  and  William  White,  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  receive  funds  for  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C. 

On  the  Sabbath,  Elder  Richardson  preached  a  sermon 
in  behalf  of  Missions,  and  a  public  collection  was  taken, 
amounting  to  §19  20,  to  which  the  association,  on  Monday^ 
added  $11  08,  and  G.  W.  Thompson,  II.  J.  Stone,  and 
Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  were  appointed  delegates  to  the  Baptist 
State  Convention. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  183 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :    to  Flat  River,   Elders  "William  II. 

Merritt,  Thomas  Weaver,  and  Brother  Jehu  M.  Beaver  ; 
to  Raleigh,  Ensley  Connsil  and  Daniel  Johnson  ;  to  Beu- 
lah,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  and  Brethren  Isaac  Durham  and 
Anderson  Jean;  to  liberty,  Elder  Levi  Andrews  and 
Brother  Lane  A.  Hutson  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  A.  Shattuck, 
and  Atlas  J.  Gilbert ;  to  Yadkin,  Elders  Warren  Brooks 
and  Eli  Phillips. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
E.  Phillips. 

Brother  William  Wilson  was  ordained  this  year  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry  at  Sandy  Creek  Church. 

The  following  churches  were  represented : 

Mo.       Churches.  Counties.  yames  of  Delegates. 


1.  Antioch Oranse <  Jehu  31.  Beaver. ...  '■>    10     113 


C  Isaac  Durham ) 

<  Jehu  M.  Beaver....  } 
{  D.  L.  Durham S 


I  John  Cheek 

■2  .   Bear  Creek Chatham <  Aaron  Womble.  . . 

{  Thomas  Womble . . 

(  Samuel  3Io!5tt ) 

3 .  Brush  Creek RandoLph ■?  John  Hutson >      2       51 

{  Gera  Lane ) 

4.  Bethlehem......     Moore Darius  Bryant 2       50 

S.  F.  Webster 3 

5.  Emmaus -.     Chatham -^  Claborn  Justice >  30 

A.  Webster S 

Jesse  Stafford ) 

6.  Friendship Moore <?  Elder  A.  Shattuck  . .  >      1       55 


J: 

(  E.  Q.  Sowell 


7.   Gum  Spring Chatham |  ^wlldeR^"    "\      3       49 

William  Robertson..  ) 
S.   Lick  Creek Chatham <  A.  Jean >      1       27 


Samuel  Lewis . 


G.  W.  Gee ) 

S.   Love's  Creek. .. .     Chatham <^  Daniel  Hackney >     7       54 

Uriah  Hinson ) 


184 


A    HISTOKY    OF   THE 


No.      Churches. 


Counties. 


10.  May's  Chapel Chatham- 

11 .  Mount  Zion Orange . . 

12.  Mount  Carmel.. .  Orange.. 

13.  Mount  Grilead.. . .  Chatham. 


14.  Mineral  Spring.. .     Chatham. 

15.  Pleasant  Grove-. .     Chatham., 


16.  Reave's  Chapel. .  Chatham. 

17.  Rocky  River Chatham.. 

18.  Rock  Spring Chatham.. 

19 .  Sandy  Creek Randolph 


20 .   Sandy  Field Orange . 


21 .  Mechanic's  Hill . .     Moore 

22.  Fall  Creek Chatham... 


Names  of  Delegates.        &  I     ■§ 

I  Thomas  Dpwdy ) 

<  John  W.  S'te adman..  >      3     150 
(  William  T.  Burns...  > 

t  Elder  E.Crutchfield.  ) 

<  D.  Patterson. ... >  34 

(S,  Aldridge ) 

{  Elder  Thos.  Weaver.  ) 

■>  William  G.  Weaver.  >    29      89 

(  John  Hutchins } 

i  Allen  Temple } 

{Joshua  W.  Hackney.  >   28      69> 
(  H.  J.  Stone ) 

(A.  S.  Dowd ) 

}  William  Culberson..  S      5       70 
(  Elder  Warren  Brooks  y 

i  Ensley  Counsil ) 

<  John  Dowdy V   19      60 

( I>.  Johnson J 

i  William  Hackney . . .  ) 

<  Nicholas  Johnson. . .  >    41    10S 
(  Benjamin  Watson. . .  j 

i  William  H.  Bridges. .  1 

1  H.  Dorsett S-      5       64 

(  William  Teague J 

t  W.  B.  Straughan . . . .  ) 

<JG.  W.  Thompson....  [•  50 

(  J.  Thompson J 

i  Lane  A.  Hutson  . . . .  ) 

1  Zale  McDaniel }   34      65 

(R.  Wilson 5 

J  George  Andrews. . . .  > 

<  Arch.  Andrews >      1       81 

(  Mebane  Durham  . . . .  ) 

(  Ashley  Parish )  „^ 

\  Thomas  G.  Williams.  £  6S 

Not  represented 27 

206  1310 


A  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  the  church  at  Fall 
Creek,  and  inquire  why  she  does  not  represent  herself  in 
the  association,  and  to  "  give  such  instruction  and  admo- 
nition as  it  may  deem  expedient." 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  185 

In  1841,  this  body  met  at  Bear  Creek  M.  H.,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  23d  day  of  October.  The  Intro- 
ductory sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  Warren  Brooks. 
Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  appointed  moderator. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Flat  River,  Joseph  White ;  from 
Beulah,  John  Moore ;  from  Raleigh,  Green  Beckwith  and 
K.  Johnson  ;  from  Pee  Dee,  Aaron  Wright ;  from  Yadkin, 
Elder  Barton  Roby ;  from  Liberty,  minutes. 

Ministering  brethren,  W.  Brooks,  Richard  Jacks,  and 
A.  Shattuck,  were  invited  to  and  accepted  seats  in  the 
association. 

Elders  Roby,  Jacks,  and  Richardson,  preached  on  the 
Sabbath.  Elder  Jacks  preached  in  behalf  of  the  Baptist 
State  Convention  of  N.  C,  and  a  collection  was  taken, 
amounting  to  $22  05  ;  the  delegates  added  $8  70,  making 
in  all  130  75. 

A.  G.  Hinton,  William  Fooshee,  and  Samuel  Baldwin, 
were  appointed  a  committee  on  temperance ;  Charles  Fo- 
shee,  W.  Brooks,  and  Hardy  Lasater,  on  Sabbath  schools  ; 
James  Crutchfield,  William  White,  and  Elder  E.  Crutch- 
field,  on  the  state  of  religion  in  the  bounds  of  the  associa- 
tion. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Levi  Andrews,  A. 
G.  Hinton,  and  William  Fooshee ;  to  Raleigh,  John  Foo- 
shee, William  White,  and  H.  Lasater;  to  Beulah,  Elder 
E.  Crutchfield,  Isaac  Durham,  and  Samuel  Baldwin  ;  to 
Liberty,  Elder  William  Wilson,  Lane  Hutson,  and  R. 
W  ilson  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Shattuck  and  Richardson ; 
to  Yadkin,  Elders  E.  Phillips  and  Warren  Brooks,  and 
Brethren  James  Crutchfield  and  Charles  Fooshee. 

9* 


186  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Elders  W.  Brooks,  E.  Phillips,  and  N.  Richardson, 
were  appointed  to  attend  the  Baptist  State  Convention. 

The  committees  on  temperance,  Sabbath  schools,  and 
state  of  religion,  made  reports,  which  were  received  and 
printed  with  the  minutes. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by 
Brother  John  Hutson. 

A  petition  was  received  from  Jesse  Sowel,  an  excom- 
municated member  and  minister  of  the  Bethlehem  church, 
asking  for  a  committee  to  hear  his  grievances,  &c.  A 
committee  was  sent,  and  after  an  investigation,  they  re- 
ported to  the  association  that  said  Sowel  had  a  fair  trial. 
Although  the  association  has  no  authority  over  the 
churches,  yet  she  renders  great  service  to  them  by  sending 
disinterested  committees  to  aid  them  in  matters  of  diffi- 
culty. 

A  preamble  and  resolutions  from  Friendship  church 
were  received,  the  purport  of  which  was,  that  while  each 
Baptist  church  was  an  independent  body,  and  no  tribunal 
has  a  right  to  question  its  authority,  yet  the  common 
good  of  the  churches  would  be  realized  by  each  church 
agreeing  to  send  up  their  candidates  for  the  ministry  to 
the  association  for  examination,  to  be  licensed  and  ordained 
by  that  body. 

A  majority  of  the  churches  approved  of  these  resolu- 
tions, and  the  association  passed  a  resolution  requesting  the 
churches  to  send  up  for  examination  their  candidates  for 
ordination,  and,  if  approved,  then  call  a  presbytery  for  that 
purpose. 

The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  body  at  this 
time  were,  Thomas  Weaver,  William  H.  Merritt,  Eli 
Phillips,-  Artemas  Shattuck,  Noah  Richardson,  Warren 
Brooks,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  Willis  Coo^en,  Aaron  Worn- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  187 

ble,  Atlas  J.  Gilbert,  and  William  Wilson.     Licentiates, 
Darius  Bryant,  James  Crutchfield,  and  Lane  Hutson. 
The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


Mo.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


h 


( Isaac  Durham ) 

1.  Antioeh Orange <  Samuel  Baldwin. ...  >    1?    125 

{  D.  L.  Durham ) 

C  John  Dowd ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  Elder  A.  G.  Gilbert.  V      3       76 

(  William  Harper ) 

(  Samuel  Moffitt ) 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  John  Hutson >      3       51 

(  Gera  Lane ) 

{  Joseph  G.  Moore  . . . .  ) 

4 .  Bethlehem Moore <  John  Patterson >      3       66 

(  L.  W.  Lawhorn \ 

I  Thomas  Clark ) 

5.  Emmaus Chatham <  Elisha  H.  Straughan.  >      9      41 

(  C.  Justice S 

i  William  Davis ) 

6 .  Friendship Moore 1  Jesse  Stafford >      2       58 

(  John  D.  Phillips  ....) 

*•   ^Spring Chatham. {g^^ftfe;}     1      « 

(  William  Glosson .  . . .  ) 

8.  Lick  Creek Chatham <  A.  Jean >      1       31 

»  (  William  Robertson..  S 

(  Daniel  Hackne}'. .  .  .  ) 

9.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  R.  Smith >  52 

(  William  Carter ) 

C  John  Fooshee ) 

10 .  May's  Chapel. .  .       Chatham \  John  Gilmore *>  144 

(  William  White ) 

(  David  Patterson. . . .  ) 

11.  Mount  Zion Orange <  John  Patterson >      4       35 

I  Elder  E.  Crutchfield.  ) 

l  Elder  Thos.  Weaver.  ) 

12.  Mount  Carmel.  . .     Orange <  William  Oldham..  .  V    23     119 

(  John  Hutching ) 

4  William  Fooshee..  . .  ) 

13.  Mount Gilead Chatham •?  A.  G.  Hinton {    11      7fi 

(  George  HerndoD  ....  J 

i  Samuel  Dowd ) 

14.  Mineral  Springs. .     Chatham <  James  Crutchfield. ..  >      1       >JQ 

(Charles  S.  Fooshee.  \ 


188  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.         ;>  e 


<  Ensley  Connsil. 

15.  Pleasant  Grove..     Chatham <  Daniel  Johnson ^      1       60 

f  John  Dowdy 

(  Richard  Dowd ) 

16 .  Eeave's  Chapel . .     Chatham <  William  Carter >  '  4    106 

(  Aaron  Burk ) 

17 .  Rock  Spring Chatham j  Elisha'poi'  ***'.  '.'.'.'.  \  50 

i  Leander  York ) 

18.  Sandy  Creek Randolph i  Zale  M  Daniel V    10      72 

(  Robert  Wilson J 

{  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

19.  Sandy  Field Orange ^  Henry  Andrews >     4       90 

(  Ruffin  Andrews  . . . .  ) 

S.  Carter ) 

20.  Rocky  River Chatham 1  Samuel  Carter >  60 


(S.  Ca 
<  Samv 
(H.  D 


orsett 


85  1435 


In  1842,  this  body  met  at  Eocky  Eiver  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  23d  day  of  September.  Elder 
N.  Biehardson  preached  the  introductory  sermon.  Elder 
E.  Crutchiield  was  appointed  moderator. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Flat  Eiver,  Joseph  White  ;  from 
Beulah,  Elder  George  W.  Purefoy  and  T.  D.  Oldham  ; 
from  Liberty,  H.  Garner.  Ministering  brethren,  L.  Hut- 
son  and  Elder  J.  S.  C.  F.  Frey,  the  converted  Jew,  were 
invited  to  and  accepted  seats. 

Committees  were  appointed  as  follows  :  on  temperance, 
Elder  George  W.  Purefoy,  S.  Baldwin,  and  James  S.  La- 
sater  ;  on  Sabbath  schools,  E.  II.  Straughan,  J.  Durham 
and  William  Bowen  ;  on  the  state  of  religion,  John  Hut- 
son,  Henry  Dorsett,  and  Thomas  D.  Oldham. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the 
following  associations  :  to  Flat  Eiver,  Elder  Thomas  Wea- 
ver, Elder  Levi  Andrews,  and  John  Hutchins  ;  to  Beulah, 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  189 

Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  Samuel  Baldwin,  and  John  Hutson  ; 
to  Liberty,  Henry  Dorsett,  Elder  William  Wilson,  William 
Reece,  and  Peter  Freeman. 

A  recess  was  taken  to  hear  a  sermon  from  Elder  Frey. 
Elders  G-.  W.   Purefoy,  N.  Richardson,  and  J.  S.  C  F. 
Frey,  pi*eached  on  the  Sabbath. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Brother 
William  White. 

A  collection  was   taken  up   on  the   Sabbath  amounting 

to $12  57$ 

Rock  Spring  church  sent  up 8  75 

Elder  William  H.  Merritt  paid 40  00 

Brother  William  Bo  wen         "    50 

Brother  Richard  Dowd  "    1  00 


$62  82£ 

Elder  George  W.  Purefoy,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  Joseph 
White,  and  T.  D.  Oldham,  were  appointed  delegates  to 
the  Baptist  State  Convention,  by  whom  the  above  sum  of 
$62  82£,  and  $ 32  44  collected  the  year  before,  were  sent 
up  for  the  objects  of  said  convention. 

The  ordained  ministers  the  same  as  last  year. 

Licentiates  the  same  and  Samuel  Baldwin  added. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  £  e      -g 

(  Isaac  Durham ) 

1.  Antioch Orange <  Samuel  Baldwin  ....  >  123 

(  Alfred  P.  Stroud  ....) 

(  Solomon  Ellis ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Thomas  Womblc...>  80 

(Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert..  ) 

(  Samuel    Moffitt ) 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  John  Hutson >  51 

(  R.  Stinson ) 


190  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


(  John  Patterson ) 

4  .  Bethlehem Moore <  Harden  Warner >  63 

(  L.  W.  Lawhorn ) 

I  C.  Justice ) 

5 .  Emmaus Chatham <  E.  H.  Straughan >  40 

(  James  Campbell . . . .  ) 

(  Joseph  Upton ) 

6.  Friendship Moore <  J.  Stafford >  50 

(  William  Davis ) 

7-   GumSpring Latham \  £  ^Lasate «  . . . . . .  J   lfJ      69 

(  William  Jean ) 

8.  Lick  Creek Chatham <  Samuel  Lewis >      6       39 

(  William  Glosson. .  . .  ) 

(.  Solomon  Dorsett.. . .  ) 

9 .  Love's  Creek Chatham <  D.  Hackney. >  52 

(  Samuel  Dorsett ) 

(  Jordan  Tyson ) 

10 .  May's  Chapel ....     Chatham !  William  White >     3    144 

(  John  Gilmore ) 

C  Elder  E.  Crutchfield 

11 .  Mount  Zion Orange <  David  Patterson . . . .  )•  33 

(  John  Patterson 

.(  Elder  Thos.  Weaver. 

12.  Mount  Carmel. . .     Orange <  John  Hutchins )■     1     118 


,:| 


(  Wilham  Oldham . . 

(  Allen  Temple .... 

13.  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  Green  Herndon )■     2      77 

(  H.  J.  Stone  .... 

(  William  Bowen 

14.  Mineral  Spring. . .      Chatham ■?  Wm.  C.  Culberson. .  }      1       72 

(  A.  H.  Lawhorn. 

(.  William  Eagan. 

15.  Pleasant  Grove  . .     Chatham <  Augustus  W.  Bynum  V  50 

(  William  Terrell  . . 

C  William  Hackney. 

26.  Beave's  Chapel. .     Chatham <  James  Marsh ^  104 

(  Brooks  Brantly.  . . 

(William  Teague  . . . 

17.  Eocky  River Chatham <  H.  Dorsett )■  59 

(  James  Syler  .  . . 

(.  Stephen  Moore . 

18.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  W.  B.   Straughan   . .  )■      2       40 

(  Elisha  Griffin 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  191 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

(  William  Reece. 
19.   Sandy  Creek  ....     Randolph....    {  Elder  Win.  Wilson. .  V    12       73 


511 .  .    > 


Peter  Freeman. 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

20.  Sandy  Field Orange ^  H.  Andrews >  84 

(  Archibald  Andrews.  } 

C  Ashley  Parish ) 

21.  Mechanic's  Hill.     Moore {  Elisha  Cade >  33 

^Thomas  Williams...  ) 

C  Bryant  Boroughs  •  •  •  ) 

22 .  Fall  Creek Chatham 1  Jacob  Teague" >  20 

(  John  Nails ) 

37  14G4 

Iii  1843,  this  body  met  at  Antioch  M.  H.,  Orange 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  22d  day  of  September. 

Elder  E.  Crutchfield  preached  the  introductory  ser- 
mon. 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  moderator. 

Aaron  Jones,  a  ministering  brether,  was  invited  to  and 
accepted  a  seat  in  the  association. 

Elder  William  Jones,  Thomas  Boroughs,  and  William 
Duskin,  were  present  as  corresponding  messengers  from 
the  Flat  River  association  ;  S.  P.  Norris  and  Green  Beck- 
with  from  the  Ealeigh  ;  and  Elder  G.  W.  Purefoy  from 
Beulah. 

Committees  were  appointed  and  reported,  on  temper- 
ance, Sabbath  schools,  and  the  state  of  religion  in  the 
bounds  of  this  association. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  revise  the  constitution 
of  the  association. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Levi  AndreAvs 
Alfred  P.  Stroud  ;  to  Beulah,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  Aaron 
Jones,  and  John  Patterson  ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  E.  Phillips, 
N.   Richardson,   E.  Crutchfield,   and  W.  Brooks ;  to   Pee 


192  A   HISTORY  OF   THE 

Dee,  sent  minutes ;  to  Raleigh,  "William  Ragan  and  A.  G. 
Hinton. 

Elders  E.  Phillips,  N.  Richardson,  and  E.  Crutchfield, 
preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

Elder  Richardson  explained  the  objects  of  the  Baptist 
State  Convention,  after  which  a  public  collection  was  taken, 
amounting  to  $15  38. 

The  following  query  from  Mount  Carmel  Church  was  re- 
ceived :  "  To  what  extent  shall  we  go  in  receiving  worldly 
testimony  in  our  churches'?" 

Answer  :  ' '  When  a  church  deems  it  necessary  to  take 
testimony  from  the  world,  hear  it  and  give  it  the  weight 
to  which  it  is  entitled." 

An  Itinerant  Board  was  appointed  to  secure  the  services 
of  a  minister,  to  travel  in  the  bounds  of  this  body,  for  the 
ensuing  year,  viz  :  William  H.  Bridges,  Terrell  Brooks, 
Richard  Dowd,  William  Bowen,  E.  H.  Straughan,  Ste- 
phen Moore,  and  John  Patterson. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  passed: 

"  Whereas,  this  association  has  given  it  as  her  opinion, 
that  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  to  make 
or  vend  ardent  spirits,  as  a  merchandise,  for  gain ;  and 
whereas,  said  association  do  disapprobtfte  the  practice  of 
any  church  that  allows  any  of  her  members  the  privilege 
of  making,  or  using,  in  any  way,  the  article,  only  as  a 
medicine : 

"Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  association  will  withdraw 
from  those  churches  that  allow  their  members  to  make  or 
vend  the  article,  or  procure  it  aS  a  luxury  for  themselves 
or  others." 

A  resolution  was  passed  approving  of,  and  recommending 
the  Biblical  Recorder,  published  and  edited  by  Elder 
Thomas  Meredith.         , 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION. 


193 


A  resolution  was  also  passed  approving  of  the  objects  of 
the  American  Tract  Society,  and  recommending  the  agent, 
Aaron  Jones,  to  the  fellowship  and  patronage  of  the 
churches. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.      Churches. 


Counties. 


Names  of  Delegates. 


1.  Antioch. 


2.  Bear  Creek.. 

3.  Brush  Creek. 

4.  Emmaus 

5 .  Friendship  . . 


(  Samuel  Baldwin . , 

Orange <  Isaac  Durham . 

(  J.  M.  Beaver. 

t  Solomon  Ellis . 

Chatham <  A.  Womble  . . . 

(A.J   Gilbert.. 


in  .  .  .  .  ) 


•r,      i  ,  ,             (  Robert  Stinson  . . . .  > 
RandolPh iGeraLane \ 

(  H.  P.  Straughan ? 

\  E.  H.  Straughan....  J 


Chatham . 


6.  Lick  Creek 

7.  Love's  Creek 

8 .  May's  Chapel 

9 .  Mount  Zion  .... 


(Elder  Eli  Phillips. 

Moore <  Jesse  Stafford 

(  Joseph  Upton 

[  William  Glosson 
Jean 

alliam  Robertson 


Chatham 


10.  Mount  Carmel. 


11.  Mount  Gilead 


(  William  Glosson. . .  ) 

<  A.  Jean > 

(  William  Robertson. .  j 

™    ,,  (  Daniel  Hackney ...    > 

Chatham \  Benjamin  Rosson. . .  \ 

.-,,    .,  $  Jordan  Tyser ) 

Chatham }  John  Gilmore > 

field  ( 


12.  Mineral  Spring... 

13.  Pleasant  Grove. . 

14.  Reave's  Chapel. .     Chatham 


C  David  Patterson . . 

Orange <  Elder  E.  Crutchfield 

( John  Patterson 

(  John  Hutchins . 

Orange <  William  G.  Weaver. 

( Isham  S.  Weaver 

(William  Griffin 
1  A.  G.  Hiuton.. 
(  Joshua  W.  Hackney 

Elder   War'n  Brooks 

Chatham <{  Atlas  Johnson 

James  Crutchfield  . . 


Chatham . 


119 


74 


49 


42 


51 


36 


SO 


17    158 


35 


107 


72 


Latham { $£^£ ; ; ; ; ; }    1     46 

(  Jol 
^Ri, 
(Bt. 


John  Burke 

tichard  Dowd 

rantly  J.  Hackney . 


4    105 


194  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 


JVo.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates  ■  &  §*     -2 

(  Wm.  H.  Bridges..  ..  1 

15.   Rocky  River Chatham <  Andrew  Siler >  56 

(  Mathias  Siler ) 


30 
70 


16.  Rook  Spring Chatham \  flisha  Po,e, I 

r      °  (  Stephen  Moore ) 

17.  Sandy  Creek  ... .     Randolph 5  William  Beece ) 

r  (  James  Burges J 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

18.  Sandy  Field Orange <  Thomas  Lloyd \  80 

(  Ruftm  Andrews ) 

19 .  Gum  Spring Chatham \  "ardy  lasater )    2g      gl 

r      °  (  James  S.  Lasater.  ..  ) 

20.  Mechanic's  Hill..     Moore Not  represented 33 

21.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented 20 

22.  Bethlehem Moore Not  represented 61 

55  1587 

This  body  met,  in  1844,  at  Mount  Gilead  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  20th  day  of  September. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Levi 
Andrews. 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  appointed  moderator. 

A  newly-constituted  church  at  Cedar  Falls,  Randolph 
county,  was  received  at  this  meeting. 

Rev.  A.  Battle,  agent  of  the  Bible  Society,  was  invited 
to  and  accepted  a  seat  in  the  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Pee  Dee,  Davil  Boyd ;  from 
Liberty,  John  Charles ;  from  Raleigh,  Elder  James  Dennis 
and  Wiliam  Yates ;  from  Beulah,  Elder  George  W.  Pure- 
foy  ;  from  Flat  River,  Joseph  White. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed  :  on  Sabbath 
schools  :  William  White,  Thomas  Parish,  and  John  Gil- 
more  ;  on  temperance,  Elder  William  Lineberry,  Hardy 
Lasater,  and  D.  R.  Bryant ;  on  the  Bible  Society,  Elders 


SANDY    CREEK     BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  195 

James  Dennis,  George  W.  Purefoy,  and  Brother  A.  Jean ; 
on  the  A.  B.  H.  Missionary  Society,  Elder  A.  J.  Battle, 
A.  G.  Hinton,  and  James  F.  Marsh. 

The  association  agreed  to  spend  half  an  hour  each  day 
during  its  session  in  prayer  to  Gad  for  a  blessing  on  this 
meeting. 

Interesting  reports  were  submitted  by  the  abovenamed 
committees,  which  were  received  and  printed  in  the 
minutes. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  attend  the 
following  associations  :  to  Flat  Elver,  A.  G.  Hinton  and 
Daniel  Hackney  ;  to  Beulah,  Elders  L.  Andrews  and  Wil- 
liam Lineberry,  and  Brother  Isaac  Durham ;  to  Liberty, 
Elders  E.  Phillips  and  N.  Richardson ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder 
E.  Phillips  and  S.  Kennedy  ;  to  Raleigh,  Aaron  Jones  and 
J.  Hackney. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Brother 
Aaron  Jones. 

The  association  suspended  business  for  the  formation  of 
a  Bible  society.  A  society  was  oi'ganized  to  meet  annu- 
ally, at  the  time  and  place  of  this  association,  and  $48  Go 
contributed. 

Elders  William  Lineberry,  James  M.  Daniel,  and  James 
Dennis,  preached  on  the  Sabbath,  and  a  speech  was  made 
by  Elder  Battle  in  favor  of  the  Bible  Society. 

The  itinerant  board  made  a  report,  which  was  received 
and  printed,  and  a  new  board  was  appointed. 

Delegates  were  sent  to  the  Baptist  State  Convention, 
and  $30  80  sent  up  by  them. 

Eider  Lewis  Dupree  prayed  at  the  time  of  adjournment. 

The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  body  were 
William  II.  Merritt,  E.  Phillips,  E.  Crutchfield,  Levi  An- 
drews, William  Lineberry,  W.  Coggin,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  Wil- 


196  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

liam  Wilson  and  N.  Richardson.  Licentiates,  Jas.  Crutch- 
field,  Lane  Hutson,  Aaron  Jones,  D.  R.  Bryant,  and  Samuel 
Baldwin. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.         ^  §<     -g 

fe;cq     Eh 


(.  Samuel  Baldwin . . . .  ) 

<  Isaac  Durham > 

(  David  L.  Durham.  . .  ) 


1.  Antioch Orange <  Isaac  Durham f     3    113 

David  L.  Durham 

James  Boroughs ) 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <!  John  Hall >    12 


Abner  Bright. 


(,  Gera  Lane ) 

3.  BrushCreek Randolph <  John  Brooks >  41 

(  Richard  Paschal. . . .  ) 

(Thomas  J.  Clarke...  ) 

4.  Emmaus Chatham <  Simon  F.  Webster. .  >  42 

(  Claborn  Justice ) 

C  Elder  N.  Richardson.  ) 

5.  Friendship Moore 1  Elder  E.  Phillips... .  >     1      45 

(  Joseph  Upton ) 

C  William  Glosson ....  ) 

6.  LickCreek Chatham {  William  Robertson. .  >    21       60 

(  Abner  W.  Holton ...) 

(  Daniel  Hackney . . . .  ) 

7.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  George  W.  Gee >     8      57 

(  Uriah  Hinson ) 

(  John  Gil  more ) 

8.  May's  Chapel Chatham 1  Thomas  Farish >    28    177 

l  William  White ) 


avid  Patterson. 

I  Elder  W.  H.  Merritt.  ) 

10 .  Mount  Carmel . .  .      Orange <  John  Hutchins >      6     127 

(  William  G.  Weaver.  ) 

(  A.  G.  Hinton 1 

11.  Mount  Gilead Chatham <  John  Hackney >      8      73 

(William  Griffin ) 

I  Alexander  Mayzey. .  t 

12.  Mineral  Spring...     Chatham 1  Joseph  Sanders >    18       88 

(  William  Bowen ) 

(  Ensley  Counsil ) 

13.  Pleasant  Grove . .     Chatham <  Daniel  Johnson >      1      46 

(  William  Ragan ) 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  197 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


fe;K) 


1      45 


(William  Hackney...  ) 

14.  Reave's  Chapel..     Chatham <  Wiiliam  Carter >    13     113 

(  Aaron  D   Headen. . .  j 

I  Elder  W.  Lineherry  .  ) 

15 .  Rocky  River Chatham 1  William  H.  Bridges .  V     8       57 

(  Samuel  Carter j 

(  Leander  York ) 

16.  SandyCreek Randolph •?  Peter  P.  Freeman.. .  >  75 

(  Leander  Kivit ) 

C  John  Thompson ) 

17.  Rock  Spring Chatham.., <RansomC.Poe > 

(  Stephen  Moore \ 

I  Henry  Andrews ) 

18.  Sandy  Field Orange ■?  Archibald  Andrews.  >      3       76 

(  Ruilin  Andrews ) 

(  James  Lasater ) 

19.  Gum  Spring Chatham 1  Hardy  Lasater >    14     104 

(  Levi  Copeland ) 

(.  Ashley  Parish ) 

20.  Mechanic's  Hill..     Moore <  Sparks  Kennedy. ...  >      9       39 

(  Lewis  Mannes j 

21.  Fall  Creek 'Chatham Not  represented 20 

i  John  Patterson ) 

22.  Bethlehem Moore <  Benjamin  Phillips  ..  >      4       57 

C  D.  R.  Bryant ) 

23.  Cedar  Falls James  F.  Marsh. .. .  11 

163  1588 

In  1845,  this  body  met  at  Mineral  Spring  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C.j  on  the  26th  of  September.  The  asso- 
ciation sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  William  Lineberry. 
Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  chosen  moderator.  Committees 
were  appointed  upon  Sabbath  schools  and  temperance  so- 
cieties. 

The  association  agreed  to  spend  half  an  hour  in  prayer, 
each  clay  of  its  session,  for  a  blessing  upon  this  meeting. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Fee  Dee,  A.  Leach  ;  from  Raleigh, 
minutes ;  from  Beulah,  Elder  G.  W .  Purefoy  and  John 
Moore. 


198  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  W.  Lineberry  and 
William  Griffin;  to  Beulah,  Elder  Levi  Andrews  and 
Hasten  Poe  ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  N.  Eicbardson,  William 
Lineberry ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Benjamin  P.  Person  and  Bryant 
Boroughs  ;   to  Ealeigh,  A.  G  Hinton  and  John  Hackney. 

Tbis  body  agreed  to  hold  its  annual  session  hereafter; 
commencing  on  Friday  before  the  first  Sabbath  in  October. 

Elders  N.  Eicbardson,  George  W.  Purefoy,  and  Wil- 
liam Lineberry,  preached  on  the  Sabbath.  At  the  close 
of  Elder  Richardson's  sermon  a  collection  was  taken  in 
behalf  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  amounting  to  $20. 

On  Monday,  the  second  annual  meeting  of  the  Sandy 
Creek  Bible  Society  held  a  meeting.  The  association  ap- 
pointed Elder  William  Lineberry  and  Brother  J.  Thomp- 
son delegates  to  the  Bible  Society  Convention. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed,  to  report  at 
the  next  association :  on  temperance,  Elder  N.  Eicbard- 
son, Eichard  Dowd,  and  A.  J.  Gilbert  ;  on  Sabbath 
schools,  Terril  Brooks,  Daniel  Hackney,  and  William 
Bowen ;  on  the  A.  F.  Bible  Society,  Elders  William  Line- 
berry, William  H.  Merritt,  and  Brother  A.  G.  Hinton. 
on  the  Southern  organization,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  Chas. 
Fooshee,  and  E.  H.  Straughan ;  on  the  state  of  religion, 
William  White,  James  Lasater,  and  Stephen  Moore. 

A  resolution  was  passed  advising  the  churches  to  aid, 
by  donations,  the  brethren  and  friends  of  Pittsborough,  in 
erecting  a  Baptist  meeting-house  in  that  place. 

The  following  Declaration  of  Faith,  with  Scripture 
references,  was  adopted,  and  appended  to  the-  minutes  : 


SANDY    CREEK    BArTIST   ASSOCIATION.  199 

DECLARATION  OF  FAITH. 

Whereas,  in  the  opinion  of  this  association,  Articles  of 
Faith,  with  Scripture  references,  would  be  beneficial  and 
useful  to  the  members  of  our  churches  ;  and  that  they  may 
be  better  prepared  to  defend  the  leading  doctrines  of  the 
Bible  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  we  adopt  the  following  sixteen 
articles,  with  the  Scripture  references,  as  the  faith  of  this 
association  ;  and  that  they  be  appended  to  our  minutes, 
and  recommended  to  the  different  churches  for  their 
adoption  : 

I.     OF    THE    SCRIPTURES. 

We  believe  the  Holy  Bible  was  written  by  men  divinely 
inspired,  and  is  a  perfect  treasure  of  heavenly  instruction  ;* 
that  it  has  God  for  its'  author,  salvation  for  its  end,t  and 
truth  without  any  mixture  of  error  for  its  matter  ;£  that 
it  reveals  the  principles  by  which  God  will  judge  us;|| 
and  therefore  is,  and  shall  remain  to  the  end  of  the  world, 
the  true  centre  of  Christian  union, §  and  the  supreme 
standard  by  which  all  human  conduct,  creeds,  and  opinions, 
should  be  tried. % 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  2  Tim.  iii.  16, 17  :  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God 
and  is'  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  in- 
struction in  righteousness  ;  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect, 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.  Also  2  Pet.  i.  31. 
2  Sam.  xxiii.  2.  Acts  i.  16  ;  iii.  21.  John  x.  35.  Luke  xvi.  29- 
31.     Ps.  cxix.  cxi.     Rom.  iii.  1,  2. 

f2  Tim.  iii.  15:  Able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation.  Also 
1  Pet.  i.  10-12.  Acts  xi.  14.  Rom.  i.  16.  Mark  xvi,  16.  John 
v.  34-39. 

t  Prov.  xxx.  5,  6  :  Every  word  of  God  is  pure.     Add  thou  not 


200  A   HISTORY   OF   THB 

unto  his  words,  lest  he  reprove  thee,  and  thou  he  found  a  liar.  Also 

John  xvii.  17.     Kev.  xxii.  18,  19.     Rom.  iii.  4. 

II  Rom.  ii.  12  :  As  many  as  have  sinned  in  the  law,  shall  he  judged 

by  the  law.    John  xii.  47,  48  :     If  any  man  hear  my  words — the 

word  that  I  have  spoken,  the  same  shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day. 

Also  1  Cor.  iv.  3,  4.     Luke  x.  10-16 ;  xii.  47,  48. 

§  Phil.  iii.  16  :  Let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule  ;  let  us  mind  the 

same  thing.     Also  Ephes.  iv.  3-6.     Phil.  ii.  1,  2.     1  Cor.  i.  10. 

1  Pet.  iv.  11. 

IF  John  iv.  1  :  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try  the 
spirits  whether  they  be  of  God.  Isaiah  viii.  20  :  To  the  law  and. 
to  the  testimony  ;  if  they  speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is 
because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  1  Thess.  v.  21 :  Prove  all 
things.  2  Cor.  xiii.  5 :  Prove  your  own  selves.  Also  Acts  xvii. 
11.  1  John  iv.  6.  Jude  3d  v.  Ephes.  vi.  17.  Ps.  cxix.  59,  60. 
Phil.  i.  9-11. 

II.    OF    THE   TRUE    GOD. 

That  there  is  one,  and  only  one,"  true  and  living  God, 
whose  name  is  Jehovah,  the  Maker  and  Supreme  Ruler 
of  heaven  and  earth  ;*  inexpressibly  glorious  in  holiness  ;t 
worthy  of  all  possible  honor,  confidence,  and  love  ;|  re- 
vealed under  the  personal  and  relative  distinctions  of  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  ;||  equal  in  every 
divine  perfection,§  and  executing  distinct  hut  harmonious 
offices  in  the  great  work  of  redemption.^ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*Ps.  lxxxiii.  18:  Thou  whose  name' alone  is  Jehovah,  art  the 
most  high  over  all  the  earth.     Heb.  iii.  4.     Rom.  i.  20.  Jer.  x.  10. 

t  Ex.  xv.  11  :  Who  is  like  unto  thee,  glorious  in  holiness  ?  Isai. 
vi.  3.     1  Pet.  i.  15,  16.     Rev.  iv.  6-8. 

t  Mark  xii.  30  :  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all 
thy  strength.  Rev.  iv.  11 :  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive 
glory,  and  honor,  and  power  ;  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and 
for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were  created.  Mat.  x.  37.  Jer.  ii. 
12,  13. 


«ANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  201 

il  Mat.  xxviii.  19  :  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
theru  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
■Ghost.  John  xv.  2G  :  When  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  1  will 
■send  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  which  pro- 
ceeded from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me.  1  Cor.  xii.  4-C. 
1  John  v.  7. 

§  John  x.  30  :  I  and  my  Father  are  one.  John  v.  17  ;  xiv.  23. 
Acts  v.  3,  4.     1  Cor.  hi.  10,  11. 

IfEphes.  i,i.  18:  For  through  Him, [the  Son]  we  both  have  an 
access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  2  Cor.  ii.  14  :  The  grace 
•of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.     Rev.  i.  4,  5. 

III.    OF    THE   FALL   OF    MAN. 

That  man  was  created  in  a  state  of  holiness,  under  the 
law  of  his  maker  ;*  but  by  voluntary  transgression  fell 
i'rom  that  holy  and  happy  state  ;t  in  consequence  of  which 
-all  mankind  are  now  sinners,!  not  by  constraint  but 
choice ;  I  being  by  nature  utterly  void  of  that  holiness 
■required  by  the  law  of  God,  wholly  given  to  the  gratifica- . 
■tion  of  the  world,  of  Satan,  and  of  their  own  sinful  pas- 
sions, and  therefore  under  just  condemnation  to  eternal 
<ruin,§  without  defence  or  excuse.*^ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taughL 

*  Gen.  i.  27  :  God  created  man  in  his  own  image  :  Gen.  i.  31  : 
And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made,  and  behold,  it  was 
•very  good.     Ec.  vii.  29.     Acts  xvii.  20.     Gen.  ii.  10. 

t  Gen.  iii.  6-24 :  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was 
•good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be 
desired  to  make  one  wise  ;  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat ; 
-and  gave  also  unto  her  husband  Avith  her,  and  he  did  eat ;  there- 
fore the  Lord  God  drove  out  the  man ;  and  he  placed  at  the  east  of 
'the^garden  of  Eden  eherubims,  and  a  flaming  sword  which  turned 
•every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life.     Rom.  v.  12. 

t  Rom.  v.  19:  By  one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made  sin- 
aiers.     John  iii.  6,     Ps.  Ii.  5.     Rom.  v.  15-19  ;   viii.  -7. 

10 


202  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

II  Isai.  liii.  6  :  We  Lave  turned,  every  one  to  his  o¥i  way  :  Gen. 
vi.  12.     Rom.  iii.  9-18. 

§  Ephes.  ii.  1-3  :  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation 
in  times  past  in  the  lust  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the 
flesh  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath 
even  as  others.  Rorn.  i.  18  :  For  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from 
heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men,  who 
hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness.  Rom.  i.  32.  Gal.  iii.  10.  Mat. 
xxv.  41.     Rev.  xx.  15. 

V  Ez.  xviii.  19,  20  :  Yet  say  ye,  Why  ?  doth  not  the  son  bear 
the  iniquity  of  the  father  ? — the  soul  that  sinneth  it  shall  die.  The 
son  shall  not  hear  the  iniquity  of  the  father,  neither  shall  the  father 
bear  the  iniquity  of  the  son :  the  righteousness  of  the  righteous 
shall  be  upon  him,  and  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall  be  upon 
him.  Rom.  i.  20  :  So  that  they  are  without  excuse.  Rom.  iii.  19  : 
That  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become 
guilty  before  God.     Gal.  iii.  22. 

IV.    OF    THE    WAY    OF    SALVATION. 

That  the  salvation  of  sinners  is  wholly  of  grace,*  through 
the  mediatorial  offices  of  the  Son  of  God,j-  who  took  upon 
him  our  nature  yet  without  sin  :|  honored  the  law  by  his 
personal  obedience,  ||  and  made  atonement  for  our  sins  by 
his  death  ;§  being  risen  from  the  dead  he  is  now  enthroned 
in  heaven ;®[  and  uniting  in  his  wonderful  person  the 
tenderest  sympathies  with  divine  perfections,  is  every  way 
qualified  to  be  a  suitable,  a  compassionate,  and  an  all- 
sufficient  Savior.** 

Places  in  the  Bible  ichere  taught. 

*  Ephes.  ii.  5  :  By  grace  ye  are  saved.  Mat.  xviii.  11.  1  John 
iv.  10.     1  Cor.  iii.  5-7.     Acts  xv.  11. 

t  John  iii.  16  :  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life.     John  i.  1-14.     Heb.  iv.  14  ;  xii.  24. 

t  Phil.  ii.  6,  7  :  Who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not 


SANDY  CEEKK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  203 

robbery  to  be  equal  witb  God;  but  made  himself  of  no  reputation, 
and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  like- 
ness of  men.     Heb.  ii.  9 ;   ii.  14.     2  Cor.  viii.  9. 

II  Isaiah  xlii.  21  :   The  Lord  is  well  pleased  for  his  righteousness , 
sake  ;  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  honorable.     Phil.  ii.  8 
Gal.  iv.  4,  5.     Rom.  hi.  21. 

§  Isaiah  liii.  4 :  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was 
bruised  for  our  iniquities  ;  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  Mat.  xx.  28.  Rom. 
iv.  25 ;  iii.  21-26.  1  John  iv.  10  ;  ii.  2.  1  Cor.  xv.  1-3.  Heb. 
ix.  13-15. 

%  Heb.  i.  8 :  Unto  the  Son  he  saith,  Thy  throne,  0  God,  is  for- 
ever and  ever.     Heb.  i.  3 ;  viii.  3.     Col.  iii.  1-4. 

**  Heb.  vii.  25  :  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them.  Col.  ii.  9  :  For  in  him  dwelletb.  all  the  ful- 
ness of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Heb.  ii.  18  :  In  that  he  himself  hath 
suffered,  being  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted. 
Heb.  vii.  2G.     Ps.  lxxxix.  19.     Ps.  xlv. 

V.     OF    JUSTIFICATION. 

That  the  great  gospel  blessing  which  Christ  of  his  ful- 
ness,* bestows  on  such  as  believe  in  him  is  justification  ;\ 
that  justification  consists  in  the  pardon  of  sin  J  and  the 
promise  of  eternal  life,  on  principles  of  righteousness  ;|| 
that  it  is  bestowed  not  in  consideration  of  any  works  of 
righteousness  which  we  have  done,§  but  solely  through  his 
own  redemption  and  righteousness  ;^f  that  it  brings  us 
into  a  state  of  most  blessed  peace  and  favor  with  God, 
and  secures  every  other  blessing  needful  for  time  and 
eternity.** 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  John  i.  16  :  Of  his  fullness  have  we  all  received.     Ephes.  iii.  8. 
t  Acts  xiii.  39 :  By  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from  all 
things.     Isaiahliii.il.     Rom.  viii.  1. 


204  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

t  Rom.  v.  9  :  Being  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  frottl 
■Wrath  through  him.     Zech.  xiii.  1.     Mat.  ix.  6.     Acts  x.  43. 

II  Rom.  v.  17  :  They  which  receive  the  abundance  of  grace  and  of 
the  gift  of  righteousness,  shall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jesus  Christ. 
Titus  iii.  5,  6.     1  Pet.  iii.  7.     1  John  ii.  25.     Rom.  v.  21. 

§  Rom.  iv.  4,  5  :  Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward  not 
reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but 
believeth  on  him  that  justifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteousness.     Rom.  v.  21  ;  vi.  23.     Phil.  iii.  7-9. 

IT  Rom.  v.  19 :  By  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made 
righteous.     Rom.  iii.  24-26.     1  John  ii.  12. 

**  Rom.  v.  1,  2  :  Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with 
God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  by  whom  also  we  have  access 
by  faith  into  his  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the 
glory  of  God.  Rom.  v.  3  :  We  glory  in  tribulations  also.  Rom. 
v.  11  :  We  also  joy  in  God.    1  Cor.  i.  30.    Mat.  vi.  36.    1  Tim.  iv.  8. 

VI.     OF    THE    FREENESS    OF    SALVATION. 

That  the  blessings  of  salvation  are  made  free  to  all  by 
the  gospel  ;*  that  it  is  the  immediate  duty  of  all  to  accept 
them  by  a  cordial  and  obedient  faith  ;f  and  that  nothing 
prevents  the  salvation  of  the  greatest  sinner  on  earth,  ex- 
cept his  own  voluntary  refusal  to  submit  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ;J  which  refusal  will  subject  him  to  an  aggravated 
condemnation.  || 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*Rev.  xxii.  17  :  Whosoever  will,  let  him  take  of  the  water  of 
life  freely.     Isaiah  Iv.  1.     Luke  xiv.  17. 

t  Rom.  xvi.  26  :  The  gospel,  according  to  the  commandment  of 
the  everlasting  God,  made  known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience 
of  faith.     Mark  i.  15.     Rom.  i.  15,  17. 

t  John  v.  40  :  Ye  will  not  come  unto  me,  that  ye  might  have 
life.     Matt,  xxiii.  37.     Rom.  ix.  32.     Prov.  i.  24.     Acts  xiii.  46. 

II  John  iii.  19 :  And  this  is  the  condemnation,  that  light  is  come 
into  the  world, "and  men  loved  darkness  rather  than  light,  because 
their  deeds  were  evil.    Mat.  xi.  20.    Luke  xix.  27.     2  Thess.  i.  8. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  205 

VII.    OF    GRACE    IN    REGENERATION. 

That  in  order  to  be  saved,  we  must  be  regenerated  or 
born  again  ;*  that  regeneration  consists  in  giving  a  holy 
disposition  to  the  mind  ;f  and  is  effected  in  a  manner 
above  our  comprehension  or  calculation,!  by  the  power  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  so  as  to  secure  our  voluntary  obedience  to 
the  gospel  ;||  and  that  its  proper  evidence  is  found  in  the 
holy  fruit  which  we  bring  forth  to  the  glory  of  God.§ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  John  iii.  3  :  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.  John  iii.  7.  Rev. 
xxi.  27. 

t  Cor.  v.  20  :  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new  creature.  Ez. 
xxxvi.  26.     Deut.  xxx.  6.     Rom.  ii.  28,  29  ;  v.  5.     1  John  iv.  7. 

t  John  iii.  8  :  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest 
the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh  and  whither 
it  goeth ;  so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit.  John  i.  13. 
"Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor 
of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God.  James  i.  16-18.  1  Cor.  i.  30. 
Phil.  ii.  13. 

II 1  Pet.  xxii.  25 :  Ye  have  purified  your  hearts  by  obeying  the 
truth  through  the  Spirit.  1  John  v.  1.  Whosoever  believeth 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  is  born  of  God.  Ephes.  iv.  20-24* 
Col.  iii.  9-11. 

4  Ejmes.  v.  9  :  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  goodness,  and 
righteousness,  and  truth.  Rom.  viii.  9.  Gal.  v.  16-23.  Ephes. 
iii.  14-21. 

VIII.   of    god's  purpose  of  grace. 

That  election  is  the  gi*acious  purpose  of  God,  according 
to  which  he  regenerates,  sanctifies,  and  saves  sinners  ;* 
that  being  perfectly  consistent  with  the  free  agency  of  man, 
it  comprehends  all  the  means  in  connection  with. the  end  ;f 
that  it  is  a  most  glorious  display  of  God's  sovereign  good- 


208  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

ness,  being  infinitely  wise,  holy,  and  unchangeable  ;|  that 
it  utterly  excludes  boasting,  and  promotes  humility,  prayer, 
praise,  trust  in  G-od,  and  active  imitation  of  his  free  mercy  ;|| 
that  it  encourages  the  use  of  means  in  the  highest  degree  ;§ 
that  it  is  ascertained  by  its  effects  in  all  who  believe  the 
G-ospelil  is  the  foundation  of  Christian  assurance  ;**  and 
that  to  ascertain  it  with  regard  to  ourselves,  demands  and 
deserves  our  utmost  diligence.tt 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  2  Tim.  i.  8,  6  :  Be  not  thou  therefore  ashamed  of  the  testimony 
of  our  Lord,  nor  of  me  his  prisoner ;  but  be  thou  partaker  of  the 
afflictions  of  the  gospel,  according  to  the  power  of  God ;  who  hath 
saved  us  and  called  us  with  an  holy  calling,  not  according  to  our 
works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was 
given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began.  Ephes.  i.  3-14. 
1  Pet.  i.  1,  2.  Rom  xi.  5,  6.  John  xv.  16.  1  John  iv.  19.  Hos. 
xii.  9. 

t  2  Thess.  ii.  13,  1-4  :  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to 
God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from 
the  beginning  chosen  you  unto  salvation,  through  sanctification  of 
the  spirit,  and  belief  of  the  truth  ;  whereunto  he  also  called  you  by 
our  gospel,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Acts  xiii.  48.     John  x.  16.     Mat.  xx.  16.     Acts  xv.  14. 

t  Ex.  xxxiii.  18,  19  :  And  Moses  said,  I  beseech  thee,  show  me 
thy  glory.  And  He  said,  I  will  cause  all  my  goodness  to  pass  be- 
fore thee,  and  I  will  proclaim  the  name  of  the  Lord  before  thee  ; 
and  I  will  be  gracious  to  whom  I  will  be  gracious,  and  will  show 
mercy  on  whom  I  will  show  mercy.  Mat.  xx.  15  :  Is  it  not  lawful 
for  me  to  do  what  I  will  with  my  own  ?  Is  thine  eye  evil,  because 
I  am  good?  Eph.  i.  11.  Rom.  ix.  23,  24.  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  Rom. 
xi.  28,  29.     James  i.  17,  18.     2  Tim.  ii.  9.     Rom.  xi.  32-36. 

II  1  Cor.  iv.  7  :  For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from  another  ?  and 
what  hast  thou  that  thou  didst  not  receive  ?  Now  if  thou  didst  re- 
ceive it,  why  dost  thou  glory  as  if  thou  hadst  not  received  it  ?  1 
Cor.  i.  26-31.  Rom.  iii.  27  ;  iv.  16.  Col.  hi.  12.  1  Cor  iii.  5-7  ; 
xv.  10.  1  "Pet  v.  10.  Acts  i.  24.  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  1  Pet.  ii.  9. 
Luke  xviii.  7.     John  xv.  16.     Ephes.  i.  16.     1  Thess.  ii.  12. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  207 

4  2  Tim.  10  :  Therefore  I  endure  all  things  for  the  elect's  sake, 
that  they  also  may  obtain  the  salvation  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
with  eternal  glory.  1  Cor.  ix.  22.  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men, 
that  I  might  by  all  means  save  some.  Rom.  viii.  28-30.  John  vi. 
37-40.     2  Pet.  i.  10. 

f  1  Thess.  i.  4-10  :  Knowing,  brethren  beloved,  your  election  of 
God  :  for  our  Gospel  came  unto  you,  not  in  word  only,  but  in 
power,  ifcc. 

**  Rom.  viii.  28-39  :  Moreover  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them 
he  also  called,  and  whom  he  called  them  he  also  justified,  and  whom 
he  justified  them  he  also  glorified.  "What  shall  we  then  say  to  these 
things  ?  if  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ?  Isaiah,  xlii.  16. 
Rom.  xi.  29. 

tt  2  Pet.  i.  10  :  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure  ;  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye 
shall  never  fall ;  for  so  an  entrance  shall  be  ministered  unto  you 
abundantly  into  the  everlasting  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Savior 
Jesus  Christ.     Phil.  iii.  12.     Heb.  vi.  11. 

IX.      OF    THE   PERSEVERANCE    OF    SAINTS. 

That  such  only  are  real  believers  as  endure  unto  the 
end  ;*  that  their  persevering  attachment  to  Christ  is  the 
grand  mark  which  distinguishes  them  from  superficial  pro- 
fessors ;f  that  a  special  Providence  watches  over  their  wel- 
fare,;}: and  they  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith 
unto  salvation.  || 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  John  viii.  31 :  Then  said  Jesus,  If  ye  continue  in  my  word, 'then 
are  ye  my  disciples  indeed.     1  John  ii.  27,  28  ;  iii.  9 ;  v.  18. 

1 1  John  ii.  19  :  They  went  out  from  us,  but  they  were  not  of  us  ; 
for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have  continued  with 
us  ;  but  they  went  out  that  it  might  be  made  manifest  that  they 
were  not  all  of  us.  John  xiii.  18.  Matt.  xiii.  20,  21.  John  vi. 
66-69. 

t  Rom.  viii.  28  :  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for 
good  unto  them  that  love  God,  to  them  that  are  the  called  according 


208  A  HISTORY    ©F    THE. 

to  his  purpose.     Mat.  vi.  30-33.     Jer.  xxxii.  40.    Ps.  xci.  II,  ET;  . 
cxxi.  3. 

IJ  PhiL  i.  6 :  He  who  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you,  will  per- 
form it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.  Phil.  ii.  12,  13.  Jude  24,  25.. 
Heb.  i.  14.     2  Kings  vi.  16.     Heb.  xiii.  5.     1  John  iv.  4. 

X.      HARMONY    OF    THE    LAW   AN3>   GOSPEL. 

That  the  law  of  God  is  the  eternal  and  unchangeable 
rule  of  his  moral  government  ;*  that  it  is  holy,  just,  and' 
good  ;f  and  that  the  inability  which  the  Scriptures  ascribe 
to  fallen  men  to  fulfil  its  precepts,  arises  entirely  from  their 
love  of  sin  ;J  to  deliver  them  from  which,  and  to  restore 
them  through  a  mediator  to  unfeigned  obedience  to  the 
holy  law,  is  one  great  end  of  the  Gospel,  and  of  the  means- 
of  grace  connected  with  the  establishment  of  the  visible 
church.  |] 

Places'  in  the  Bible  where  taught^ 

*  Rom.  iii.  21 :  Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God" 
forbid.  Yea,  we  establish  the  law.  Mat.  v.  17.  Luke  xvi.  11. 
Rom.  iii.  20  ;  iv.  15. 

t  Rom.  vii.  12  :  The  law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment  holy,  and? 
just,  and  good.     Rom.  vii.  7,  14,  22.     Gal.  iii-  21.     Ps.  cxix. 

t  Rom.  viii.  7,  8  :  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  ;  for  it 
is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  So  then; 
they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.  Josh.  xxiv.  19.  Jer. 
xiii.  23.     John  vi.  44  ;  v.  44. 

H  Rom.  viii.  2^ :  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  Life  in  Christ  Jesus- 
hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  For  what  the 
law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  send- 
ing his  own  son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  con- 
demned sin  in  the  flesh  ;  that  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be 
f  ulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  spirit . 
Rom.  x.  4.     1  Tim.  i.  5.     Heb.viiLlO-    Jude  20,  21.    Heb.  xh.  14. 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  209 


XI.     OF    A    GOSPEL    CHURCH. 

That  a  visible  church  of  Christ  is  a  congregation  of  bap- 
tized believers,*  associated  by  covenant  in  the  faith  and 
fellowship  of  the  Gospel  ;f  observing  the  ordinances  of 
Christ  ;£  governed  by  his  laws  ;||  and  exercising  the  gifts, 
rights,  and  privileges  invested  in  them  by  his  word  ;§  that 
its  only  proper  officers  are  bishops  or  pastors,  and  deacons,^ 
whose  qualifications,  claims,  and  duties,  are  defined  in  the 
Epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus. 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  1  Cor.  i.  1-13  :  Paul,  (unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at  Cor- 
inth,) Is  Christ  divided  ?  Was  Paul  crucified  for  y  ou  ?  Or  were  ye 
baptized  in  the  name  of  Paul?  Mat.  xviii.  17.  Acts  v.  11 ;  viii.  1  ; 
xi.  26.     1  Cor.  iv.  17  ;  xiv.  23.     3  John  9.     1  Tim.  iii.  5. 

t  Acts  ii.  41,  42  :  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were 
baptized  ;  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  to  them  about  three 
thousand  souls  :  2  Cor.  viii.  5  :  They  first  gave  their  ownselves  to 
the  Lord,  and  then  unto  us  by  the  'will  of  God.  Acts  ii.  47.  1  Cor. 
v.  12,  13. 

1 1  Cor  xi.  2  :  Now  I  praise  you,  brethren,  that  ye  remember  me 
in  all  things,  and  keep  the  ordinances  as  I  delivered  them  unto  you. 
2  Thess.  iii.  6.  Eom.  xvi.  17-20.  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  Mat.  xviii.  15- 
20.  1  Cor.  5  and  6.  2  Cor.  2  and  7.  1  Cor.  iv.  17. 
pP  Mat.  xxviii.  20  :  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatso- 
ever I  have  commanded  you.  John  xiv.  15  ;  xv.  12.  1  John  iv. 
21 ;  John  xiv.  21.  1  Thess.  iv.  2.  2  John  vi.  Gal.  vi.  2.  All  the 
Epistles. 

<5>  Ephes.  iv.  7  :  Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace  according  to 
the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ.  1  Cor.  xv.  12  :  Seek  that  ye  may 
excel  to  the  edifying  of  the  church.  Phil.  i.  27  :  That  I  may  hear  of 
your  affairs,  that  ye  stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind,  striving 
together  for  the  faith  of  the  Gospel.     1  Cor.  12.     1  Cor.  14. 

IT  Phil,  i  1  :  "With  the  bishops  and  deacons.  Acts  xiv.  23.  Acts 
xv.  22.     1  Tim.  3.     Titus  1. 

10* 


210  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 


,    XII.      OF    BAPTISM   AND    THE    LORD  S    SUPPER. 

£  That  Christian  baptism  is  the  immersion  of  a  believer 
in  water,*  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit  ;f  to 
show  forth  in  a  solemn  and  beautiful  emblem  our  faith  in 
a  crucified,  buried,  and  risen  Savior,  with  its  purifying 
power  ;J  that  it  is  pre-requisite  to  the  privileges  of  a  church 
relation,  and  to  the  Lord's  S upper, ||  in  which  the  members 
of  the  church,  by  the  use  of  bread  and  wine,  are  to  com- 
memorate together  the  dying  love  of  Christ  ;§  preceded 
always  by  solemn  self-examination. % 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  Acts  viii.  36-39  :  And  the  eunuch  said,  See,  here  is  water,  what 
doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized  ?  And  Philip  said,  If  thou  believest 
with  all  thine  heart  thou  mayest.  And  they  went  down  into  the 
water,  both  Philip  and  the  eunuch,  and  he  baptized  him.  Mat.  iii. 
5,  6.  John  iii.  22,  23.  John  iv.  1,  2.  Mat.  xxviii.  19.  Mark  xvi. 
16.     Acts  ii.  38  ;  viii.  12  ;  xvi.  32-31 ;  xviii.  8. 

t  Mat.  xxviii.  19  :  Baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,     Acts  x.  47,  48.     Gal.  iii.  27,  28. 

t  Rom.  vi.  1-14  :  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism 
into  death  ;  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life.  Col. 
ii.  12.     1  Pet.  iii.  20,  21.     Acts  xxii.  16. 

II  Acts  ii.  41,  42  :  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were 
baptized,  and  there  were  added  to  them,  the  same  day,  about  three 
thousand  souls  :  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles'  doc- 
trine and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread  and  in  prayers.  Mat. 
xxviii.  19,  20.     Acts  and  Epistles. 

<5>  1  Ccr.  xi.  26  :  As  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread  and  drink  this  cup 
ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come.  Mat.  xxvi.  26-29  Mark 
xiv.  2  1-25.     Luke  xxii.  14-21. 

IT  1  Cor.  xi.  28  :  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup.  1  Cor.  v.  7,  8 ;  x.  3-32  ; 
xi.  17-32.     John  vi.  26-71. 


SANDY    CUEEIC    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  211 

XIII.      OF    THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH. 

That  the  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord's  Day,  or 
Christian  Sabbath,*  and  is  to  be  kept  sacred  to  religious 
purposes,!  by  abstaining  from  %U  secular  labor  and  recre- 
ations ;%  by  the  devout  observance  of  all  the  means  of 
grace,  both  private||  and  public,§  and  by  preparation  for 
that  rest^f  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  Acts  xx.  7  :  On  the  first  day  of  the  -week,  when  the  disciples 
came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  to  them.  Gen.  ii.  3. 
Col.  ii,  16,  17.     Mark  ii.  27.     John  xx.  19.     1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2. 

t  Ex.  xx.  8  :  Remember  the  Sabbath  Day,  to  keep  it  holy.  Rev. 
i.  10  :  I  was  in  the  spirit  on  the  Lord's  Day.  Ps.  cxviii  21 :  This 
is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made,  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad 
in  it 

t  Isai.  lviii.  13,  11 :  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sab- 
bath, from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day,  and  call  the  Sab- 
bath a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord  honorable ;  and  shall  honor 
him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasures, 
nor  speaking  thine  own  words  ;  then  shalt  thou  delight  in  the  Lord, 
and  I  will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and 
feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob.     Isai.  lvi.  2-8. 

II  Ps.  exviii.  15 :  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  righteous. 

§  Heb.  x.  21,  25  :  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  yourselves  to- 
gether, as  the  manner  of  some  is.  Acts  xi.  2G  :  A  whole  year  they 
assembled  themselves  with  the  church,  and  taught  much  people. 
Acts  xiii.  41  :  The  next  Sabbath  Day  came  almost  the  whole  city 
together  to  hear  the  word  of  God.  Lev.  xix.  30.  Ez.  xlvi.  3.  Luke 
iv.  16.     Acts  xvii.  2,  3.     Ps.  xxvi.  8;  lxxxvii.  2. 

11  Heb.  iv.  3-11 :  Let  us  labor,  therefore,  to  enter  into  that  rest. 

XIV.      OF    CIVIL    GOVERNMENT-^ 

That  civil  government  is  of  divine  appointment,  for  the 
interests   and   good  order  of  human   society  ;*    and  that 


212  A    HISTORT  OF    THE 

magistrates  are  to  be  prayed  for,  conscientiously  honored, 
and  obeyed,f  except  in  things  opposed  to  the  will  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,^  who  is  the  only  lord  of  the  conscience, 
and  the  prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth.  [| 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 

*  Rom.  xiii.  1-7  :  The  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God.  For 
rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works,  but  to  the  evil.  Dent.  xvi. 
18.     2  Sam.  xxiii.  8.     Ex.  xviii.  28.     Jer.  xxx.  21. 

t  Mat.  xxii.  21 :  Eender  therefore  unto  Csesar  the  things  that 
are  Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's-.  Titus  hi.  1. 
1  Peter  ii.  13.     1  Tim.  ii.  1-8. 

t  Acts  v.  29  :  We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  man.  Mat.  x. 
28.  Fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the 
soul.     Dan.  iii.  15-18  ;  vi.  7-10.     Acts  iv.  18-20. 

II  Mat.  xxiii.  10  :  Ye  have  one  master,  even  Christ.  Rom.  xiv.  4  : 
"Who  art  thou  that  judgest  another  man's  servant  ?  Rev.  xix.  16  : 
And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on  his  thigh  a  name  written  King 
of  kings  and  Lokd  op  LORDS.  Psalm  ii. ;  lxxii.  11.  Rom.  xiv. 
9-13. • 

XV".      OF    THE    RIGHTEOUS    AND    THE    WICKED. 

That  there  is  a  radical  and  essential  difference  between 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked  ;*  that  such  only  as  through 
faith  are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  sanc- 
tified by  the  spirit  of  our  God,  are  truly  righteous  in  his 
esteem  ;f  while  all  such  as  continue  in  impenitence  and 
unbelief  are  in  his  sight  wicked,  and  under  the  curse  ;%  and 
this  distinction  holds  among  men  both  in  and  after  death.  |J 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  Mai.  iii.  18 :  Te  shall  discern  between  the  righteous  and  the 
wicked  ;  between  him  that  serveth  God  and  him  that  serveth  him 
not,  Isai.  v.  20.  Gen.  xviii.  23.  Jer.  xv.  19.  Acts  x.  34,  35. 
Rom.  vi.  16.  t. 

|Rom.  i.  17  :  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.     Rom.  vi.  18  :  We  are 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  213 

delivered  from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held,  that 
we  should  serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and  not  in  the  oldness  of  the 
letter.  1  John  ii.  29  :  If  ye  know  that  he  is  righteous,  ye  know  that 
every  one  that  doeth  righteousness  is  born  of  him.  1  John  iii.  7. 
Rom.  vi.  18-22.     1  Cor.  xi.  82.     Prov.  xi.  31.     1  Peter  iv.  17,  18. 

1 1  John  v.  19  :  And  we  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and  the  whole 
world  lieth  in  wickedness.  Gal.  iii.  10  :  As  many  as  are  of  the  works 
of  the  law  are  under  the  curse.  John  iii.  86.  Isaiah  lvii.  21.  Ps. 
x.  4.     Isaiah  lv.  6,  7. 

II  Prov.  xiv.  32  :  The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wickedness, 
but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  See,  also,  the  example 
of  the.  rich  man  and  Lazarus.  Luke  xvi.  25  :  Thou  in  thy  lifetime 
receivedst  thy  good  things,  and  likewise  Lazarus  evil  things  ;  but 
now  he  is  comforted  and  thou  art  tormented.  John  viii.  21-24- 
Prov.  x.  24.  Luke  xii.  4,  5  ;  ix.  23-26.  John  xii.  26,  26.  Eccl.  iii* 
17.     Mat.  vii.  13,  14. 

XVI.      OF    THE    WORLD    TO    COME. 

That  the  end  of  this  world  is  approaching  ;*  that  at  the 
last  day  Christ  will  descend  from  heaven,f  and  raise  the 
dead  from  the  grave  to  final  retribution  ;£  that  a  solemn 
separation  will  then  take  place  ;||  that  the  wicked  will  be 
adjudged  to  endless  punishment,  and  the  righteous  to  end- 
less joy  ;§  and  that  this  judgment  will  fix  forever  the  final 
state  of  men  in  heaven  or  hell,  on  principles  of  righteous- 
ness.1^" 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

*  1  Peter  iv.  7  :  But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand  ;  be  ye  there- 
fore sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer.  1  Cor.  vii.  29-31.  Heb.  i.  10- 
12.  Mat.  xxiv.  35.  1  John  ii.  17.  Mat.  xxviii.  20  ;  xiii.  39  ;  xiii. 
49.     2  Peter  iii.  3-13. 

t  Acts  i.  11 :  This  same  Jesus  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into 
heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go  into 
heaven.  Rev.  i.  7.  Heb.  ix.  28.  Acts.  iii.  21.  1  Thess.  iv.  13-18, 
v.  1-11. 

t  Acts  xxiv.  15  :  There  shall  be  a  insurrection  of  the  dead,  both 


214  A  HISTORY   OF   THE 

of  the  just  and  unjust.  1  Cor.  xv.  12-59.  Luke  xiv.  14.  Dan.  xii. 
2.     John  v.  28,  29  ;  vi.  40  ;  xi.  25,  26.     2  Tim.  i.  10.     Acts  x.  42. 

I!  Mat.  xiii.  49  :  The  angels  shall  come  forth,  and  sever  the  wicked 
from  among  the  just.     Mat.  xiii.  37-43 ;  xxiv.  30,  31 ;  xxv.  27-33. 

§  Mat.  xxv.  35-46  :  And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  pun- 
ishment, hut  the  righteous  into  life  eternal.  Rev.  xxii.  11 :  He 
that  is  unjust,  let  him  be  unjust  still ;  and  he  which  is  filthy,  let  him 
be  filthy  still ;  and  he  that  is  righteous,  let  him  be  righteous  still  > 
and  he  that  is  holy,  let  him  be  holy  still.  1  Cor.  vi.  9,  10.  Mark 
ix.  43-48.  2  Peter  ii.  9,  10.  Jude  7.  Phil.  iii.  19.  Rom.  vi.  22. 
2  Cor.  v.  10,  11.     Jolm  iv.  36.     2  Cor.  iv.  18. 

^T  Rom.  -iii.  5,  6  :  Is  God  unrighteous  who  taketh  vengeance  ?  (I 
speak  as  a  man).  God  forbid ;  for  how  then  shall  God  judge  the 
world?  2  Thess.  i.  6-10.  Seeing  it  is  a  righteous  thing  with  God 
to  recompense  tribulation  to  them  who  trouble  you  ;  and  to  you  who 
are  troubled,  rest  with  us — when  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his 
saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe.  Heb.  vi.  1,  2.  1 
Cor.  iv.  5.  Acts  xvii.  31.  Rom.  ii.  2-16.  Rev.  xx.  11,  12.  1 
John  ii.  8  ;  iv.  17. 

Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dissolved,  what  manner  of 
■persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness,  looking 
for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  day  of  God  ?  2  Peter  iii. 
11-12. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


£S 


h 


CD.  L.  Durham 

1.  Antioch Orange <  John  Quackenbush.  )■    10     116 

(  Warren  Durham. . , 

(  Atlas  J.  Gilbert.. . 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham ■>  John  Dowd J>   25    110 

(  Richard  Dowd.. . . 

i  Henry  Bray 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph <  Robert  X.  Stinson. .  J>  38 

(  John  Brooks 

i  Hasten.  Straughan . 

4     Emmaus Chatham <  Richard  Webster. . 

(T.  S.  Clark 


£  Elder  X.  Richardson 

Friendship Moore <  Elder  Eli  Phillios . . 

fjE.  Q.  Sowell. ......  . 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION. 


215 


No.        Churches.  Counties. 

6.  Mount  Olive*".. . .  Chatham 

7.  Love's  Creek...  Chatham. 

8.  May's  Chapel...  Chatham, 

9.  Mount  Zion Orange  .  . 

10.  Mount  Carmel .. .  Orange.    . 


11 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham 


12.  Mineral  Spring.  . 

13.  Pleasant  Grove.. 

14.  Eeave's  Chapel. . 

15.  Rocky  River  .... 

16.  Rock  Spring 

17.  Sandy  Creek 

18.  Sandy  Field 

19.  Gum  Spring 


Chatham  . 
Chatham . 
Chatham  . 
Chatham  . 
Chatham 
Randolph 
Orange  .  . 
Chatham  . 


Names  of  Delegates.  «>  §•     5 

<«!     E-i 
I  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

William  Gean 8       67 

[William  Robertson.  ) 

|  Daniel  Hackney  . .  .  ) 

John  Lambert V    10       CG 

'  D.  Murchison J 

;  J.  W.  Stedman ) 

William  Burns V      2     172 

;  Sherwood   White .  . .  ) 

David  Patterson ) 

David  Johnson 3      43 

;  Samuel  Barker ) 

;  Eloer  W.  H.  Merritt ) 

John  Hutchins V     2    127 

'  William  G.  Weaver.  ) 

.  William  Griffin ) 

1  A.  G.  Hinton }  G5 

!  H.  J.  Stone ) 

,  Samuel  Dowd ) 

James  Crutchfield. .  \      1       80 
;  William   Culberson.  ) 

i  Augustus  W.  Bynum  ) 
Kelleo  Mitchell     . . .  >  43 

J  Allen  Ellis .) 

John  Dark 

Eli  Webster >      1     105 

!  John  R.  Marsh 

J  William. H.  Bridges. 

Henry  Dorsett V 

Elder  Wm.  Lineberry 

John  Thompson  . . 

E.  A.  Moore > 

Stephen  Moore.  . . 

Leander  York. .  . . 

Solomon  S.  Siler. . .  J>      1       75 

William  Reece .  .  . 

j  Hasten  Poe 

Ruffin  Andrews J>    37     112 

Xeverson  Cates  . . 

[  James  S.  Lasater. 

James  Gross )>    19     125 

{  Abner  Lasater  .  . . 


*  Formerly  Lick  Creek. 


216 


A   HISTORY   OF   THE 


No.        Churches. 


20.  Mechanic's  Hill..     Moore 


Na?7ies  of  Delegates. 


I  El 

it 


Elisha  Cagle 

Asa  "Williamson. . 
P.  Person 


2.1 .  Pall  Creek Chatham Alston  Jones 

22.  Bethlehem Moore j 

(  Spencer  Dorsett. . 

23.  Cedar  Falls Randolph <  Matthew  Sumner. 

(  James  F.  Marsh. . 


L.  W.  Lawhorn . . 
James  Dowdy  . .  . . 


38 


56 


16 


146  1660 


In  1846,  this  body  met  at  Love's  Creek  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  2d  day  of  October. 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  preached  the  introductory  sermon. 
He  was  also  appointed  moderator. 

Brother  David  Boyd  was  present  as  a  corresponding 
messenger  from  the  Pee  Dee  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  William  Line- 
berry,  E.  H.  Straughan,  E.  A.  Moore,  and  John  Hutchins  ; 
to  Beulah,  Elder  Levi  Andrews  aud  Hasten  Poe  ;  to  Lib- 
erty, Elder  N.  Richardson,  William  League,  and  Benjamin 
P.  Person ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Lane  Hutson  and  William  Bow- 
en  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  William  Lineberry  and  A.  G.  Hin- 
ton. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Elder 
N.  Richardson. 

Committees  were  appointed  upon  temperance,  Sabbath 
schools,  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  the 
state  of  religion  in  this  association  ;  to  report  at  the  next 
meeting. 

Elders  Eli  Phillips,  William  Lineberry  and  N.  Richard- 
son preached  on  the   Sabbath.     A  public   collection   was 


SANDY   CREEK    BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION.  217 

taken  up  for  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  amounting  to 
|20  45.  % 

Elder  William  Lineberry  and  John  Thompson  were 
appointed  delegates  to  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C  • 

A  resolution  was  passed,  cordially  approving  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  for  Foreign  and 
Domestic  Missions,  &c. 

A  preamble  and  appropriate  resolutions  were  passed,  ex- 
pressing t  he  high  estimation  in  which  this  body  held 
Brother  William  H.  Bridges,  lately  deceased,  who,  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  was  an  elected  delegate  to  this  associa- 
tion by  the  church  at  Rocky  River. 

The  Sandy  Creek  Bible  Society  held  its  third  annual 
session  on  Saturday. 

Elder  William  Lineberry  was  chosen  president ;  Elder 
Levi  Andrews  and  E.  H.  Straughan,  vice  presidents  ; 
Richard  Dowd,  treasurer ;  and  Elder  N.  Richardson,  sec- 
retary. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  in  the  associa- 
tion 1  his  year : 


Names  of  Delegates. 


K 


i  Samuel  Baldwin .  .  »  .  ) 

1.  Antroch Orange <  D.  L.Durham >  101 

(  John Quackenbush. .  > 

John  Smith ) 

2 .  Bear  Creek Chatham ^  B.  Smith I    10     116 

Solomon  Ellis ) 

i  Eli  Bray 1 

3 .  Brash  Creek Randolph <  E.  N.  Stinson £  37 

(  Joshua  Barker j 

(  Richard  Webster  . 

4.  Emmaus Chatham <  E.  H.  Straughan }    15       62 

(  Washington  Cook 

(Elder  Eli  Phillips...  ) 

5    Friendship  ......     Mo.ore <  Elder  N.  Richardson  >     1      4? 

{  E.  Q.  Sowell \ 


218  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.     S«     -g 

C  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

6.  Mount  Olive Chatham 2  William  Gean >     8      75 

(  William  Robertson. .  ) 

(  Solomon  Dorsett  . .  .  ) 

7.  Love's  Creek  ... .     Chatham <  Daniel  Hackney...  >     5      69 

(  Uriah  Hinson ) 

C  J.  B.  Barns ) 

8.  May's  Chapel ....     Chatham 1  S.  White )■  168 

(  J.  Gilmore ) 

(  Elder  E.Crutehfield.  ) 

9 .  Mount  Zion Orange <  David  Patterson >  39 

(  E    Brothers ) 

C  John  Hutchins ) 

10.  Mount  Carmel. . .     Orange <  William  G.  Weaver.  >  126 

(  Alfred  Boothe ) 

11 .  Mount  Gilead ....     Chatham John  R.  Ward 10      89 

C  Joseph  Sand 
{  C.  S.  Fooshe 
(  A.  C.  Dowd  . 


C  Joseph  Sanders  . . . 
12.  Mineral  Spring  . .     Chatham <  C.  S.  Fooshee 


(  Ensley  Counsil  . . . .  ) 

13.  Pleasant  Grove. .     Chatham <  Daniel  Johnson  , . . .  >  42 

(  William  Ragan )   . 

(A.  D.  Headen ) 

14.  Reave's  Chapel  ..     Chatham 1  J.  Sellers   }  101 

(  William  Burke ) 

15.  Rocky  River  .  . .       Chatham {  j££ Z^t^.  }  C1 

16.  Sandy  Creek    ...     Randolph Not  represented 72 

(  G.  W.  Thompson..-.  ) 

17.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  John  Thompson >  47 

(  E.  A.  Moore ) 

£  Neverson  Gates  . . . .  ) 

18.  Sandy  Field Orange 1  Merritt  Cheek V      '      104 

.     (  Ruffin  Andrews . . . .  ) 

(.  James  S.  Lasater. .  .  ) 

19 .  Gum  Spring Chatham \  Hardy  Lasater >     1     121 

Abner  Lasater ) 


I  Benjamin  P.  Person 

20 .  Mechanic's  Hill . .     Moore <  Asa  Williamson 

(  B.  Manas ' 

21 .  Fall  Creek Chatham Letter 

{  Willia 
Bethlehem Moore <  A.  Johnson 


{  William  Barrett ) 

<  A.  Johnson > 

(  L.  W.  Lawhorn ) 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  219 


No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegate* 

I  Matthew  Sumner.  . 

23.   Cedar  Falls Randolph 1  S.  M.  Dorsett 

(J.  P.  Marsh 


In  1847,  this  body  met  at  Emmaus  M.  H.,  Chatham 
county,  N!  C,  on  the  1st  day  of  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Wil- 
liam Lineberry. 

Elder  Eli  Phillips  was  appointed  moderator. 
Corresponding  messengers  were  pi'eseut  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from   Raleigh,    Samuel  P.  Norris  ;  from 
Pee  Dee,  A.  Leach  and  A.  Wright. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  Levi  Andrews  and 
H.  M.  C.  Stroud  ;  to  Beulah,  Samuel  Baldwin  and  Jehu 
M.  Beaver ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  William  Lineberry,  D. 
Hackney,  and  James  Crutchtield  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  N. 
Richardson  and  E.  Crutchtield ;  to  Raleigh,  James  S. 
Lasater  and  E.  A.  Moore. 

Elders  N.  Richardson,  William  Lineberry  and  P.  W. 
Dowel,  preached  in  the  day,  on  Sabbath,  and  Elder  E. 
Crutchfield  at  night. 

The  circular  letter,  for  this  year,  was  written  by  Elder 
W.  Lineberry. 

Brethren  Richard  Dowd,  D.  Hackney,  A.  G.  Hinton, 
Willis  Phillips,  E.  H.  Straughan,  J.  S.  Lasater,  and  Wil- 
liam White,  were  appointed  a  board  of  itineracy,  to  pro- 
cure a  minister  to  itinerate  within  the  bounds  of  this  asso- 
ciation. 

A  public  collection  was  taken  up  on  the  Sabbath  for 
Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  amounting  to  $41   00. 

The  first  Saturday  in  May  was  appointed  to  be  observ- 


220  A    HISTORY  OF   THE 

ed  as  a  clay  of  fasting  and  prayer,  that  God  would  revive 
religion,  and  raise  up  and  send  forth  more  laborers  into  his 
vineyard. 

Elder  W.  Lineberry  was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the 
Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C. 

The  following  query  from  the  church  at  Sandy  Creek 
was  received  :  "  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  members 
of  the  Baptist  Church  of  Christ  to  buy  and  sell  human 
beings,  or  keep  them  in  bondage  for  life  V 

For  an  answer,  they  were  referred  to  the  minutes  of 
this  body  for  1835. 

The  Sandy  Creek  Bible  Society  held  its  fourth  annual 
meeting  at  this  time,  and  raised  by  subscription,  $28  50- 

The  following  churches  were  represented  in  the  asso- 
ciation : 


No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


K 


Jehu  M.  Beaver ) 

Antiooh Orange <  Samuel  Baldwin  . . . .  >      2     104 

H.  M.  C.  Stroud....  S 

'  Richard  Dowd ) 

(;<--:i,  «  i'w    am <  Solomon  Ellis \     1    112 

Lane  Hutson ) 


3-   Brush  Ceek Randolph {  ggjfitdii  \  \  \  \  \ 


37 


f  William  Elmore } 

Emmaus Chatham <  E.  H.  Straughan >      2       64 

(  Claborn  Justice ) 

(  Elder  E.  Phillips....  ) 

Friendship Moore <  Elder  N.  Richardson  >  33 

(  William  Davis ) 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews 
Mount  Olive Chatham <  William  Glosson ^  75 


William  Robertson 


"! 


i  Daniel  Hackney  . . . .  ) 

7 .  Love's  Creek. .  . .     Chatham <  John  Lambert >    27       94 

(  Duncan  Murchison. .  ) 

(  R,  A.  Mclver ) 

8 .  May's  Chapel ....     Chatham {  Sherwood  White. ...}  162 

(  W.  M.  Bums S 


SANDY    CKfcfcK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  221 


JVb.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


R 


{  John  Patterson. 

9.    Mount  Zion Orange <  E.  J.  Brotl  ers £>      1       39 

(  -Samuel  Barker. 

(  John  Hutchins. 

10.  Mount  Carmel..  .     Orange <  William  G.  Weaver.  ^>      3     114 

(  Alfred  Boothe 

i  A.  G.  Hinton 

11 .  Mount  Gilead. . . .     Chatham <  William  Griffin. . . 

(  Alfred  P.  Stroud  . 

(  James  Crutchfield 

12.  Mineral  Spring. .     Chatham 2  C.  S.  Fooshee }  75 

(  William  Culberson 

(  Kelly  Mitchel 1 

13.  Pleasant  Grove  . .     Chatham <  Daniel  Johnson >      4       4G 

(  William  Terrell ) 

{  Benjamin  Watson. .  .  ) 

14.  Reave 's  Chapel.  .     Chatham  ......  <  Terrell  Brooks f  OS 

(  Brooks  ~~ 


Brantly. 

(  Elder  W.  Lineberry.  ) 

15.  Rocky  River Chatham <?  Samuel  Carter >      1       61 

I  William  Teague ....  } 

C  Abram  Wright ) 

16 .  Sandy  Creek  ....     Randolph <  Leander  York >  72 

I  AVilliam  Reece J 


<  Stephen  Moore ) 

17 .  Rock  Spring. ....     Chatham ■>  R.  C.  Poe V  38 

(  E.  A.»  Moore j 

£  Neverson  Cates  . . . .  ) 

18 .  Sandy  Field  ....     Orange <  Merritt  Cheek V  100 

{  Ruflin  Andrews  ....  5 

i  James  S.  Lasater. .  .  ) 

19.  Gum  Spring Chatham <  Abner  Lasater >      2     122 

(  Micajah  Burns ) 

C  Ashly  Parish ) 

20.  Mechanic's  Hill .     Moore <  Sparks  Kennedy. .  . .  >  37 

(  Benjamin  P.  Person.  ) 

21.  Fall  Creek Chatham Letter 25 

22 .  Bethlehem Moore Not  represented  ....  52 

I  George  W.  Hislop  . .  ) 

23 .  Cedar  Falls Randolph -j  Stephen  Cox \      24     45 

(  John  Hutson ) 

70  1553 


222  A   HISTORY    OP   THE 

In  1848,  this  body  met  at  Pleasant  Grove  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  29th  day  of  September.  Elder 
Levi  Andrews  delivered  the  introductory  sermon.  Elder 
William  Lineberry  was  appointed  moderator.  Elder  Wil- 
liam C.  Patterson  was  invited  to,  and  accepted  a  seat  in  the 
association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Baleigh,  Elder  James  Dennis  5 
from  Beulah,  Brother  Thomas  J.  Gates. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  Biver,  Elders  W.  C.  Patterson 
and  Levi  Andrews,  and  Brethren  E.  Webster  and  Jehu  M. 
Beaver ;  to  Beulah,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  A.  P.  Stroud, 
E.  Elliott,  and  E.  H.  Stranghan ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  N. 
Richardson,  B.  P.  Person,  and  J.  B.  Marsh  ;  to  Pee  Dee, 
A.  J.  Gilbert,  Willis  Phillips,  and  Moses  Baldwin  ;  to 
Baleigh,  Elder  William  Lineberry,  Elder  Eli  Phillips, 
William  White,  and  Hardy  Lasater. 

Elders  William  Lineberry,  N.  Bichardson,  and  James 
Dennis,  preached  on  the  Sabbath.  The  public  collection 
amounted  to  $7  50.*  A  board  of  itineracy  was  appointed. 
Brother  George  W.  Thompson,  of  Wake  county,  agent 
for  Wake  Forest  College,  presented  the  claims  of  that  in- 
stitution in  a  "  soul-stirring  address." 

The  fifth  annual  meeting  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Bible  So- 
ciety was  held  on  Saturday. 

The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  association 
were  W.  H.  Merritt,  W.  Lineberry,  E.  Crutchfield,  A.  J. 
Gilbert,  Willis  Coggin,  N.  Bichardson,  E.  Phillips,  W.  C. 
Patterson,  and  Levi  Andrews.  Licentiates,  Lane  Hutson 
and  S.  Baldwin. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  223 


The  following  churches  were  represented 


No.  Churches.  Counties  Names  of  Delegates. 


-an     g 


(  D.  L.  Durham ) 

1 .  Antioch Orange <  J.  Quackenbush . . . .  >  103 

f  J.  M.  Beaver ) 

'  Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert..  ) 

2 .  Bear  Creek Chatham ^  Willis  Phillips S  108 

(  James  Beal ) 

3 .  Brush  Creek Randolph J.  Barker 37 

(  E.  H.  Straughan  . . . .  ) 

4.  Emmaus Chatham...  .-...<  Richard  Webster  .  . .  >      1       65 

(  C.  Justice 5 

5.  Friendship Moore El.  N.  Richardson. .         4       30 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews.  ) 

6.  Mount  Olive Chatham <  William  Robertson. .  >  72 

(P.  Ellington ) 

Daniel  Hackney  .  .  . .  ) 

7 .  Love's  Creek Chatham.. . ^  Miles  Womble >      1       80 

Joab  Temples j 

John  Gilmore ) 

8.  May's  Chapel Chatham <  Jordan  Tyser >  158 

William  White \ 

E.  G.  Brothers )  Q7 

E.  Elliott (  °' 


98 


9 .   Mount  Zion Orange < 

C  William  G.  Weaver.  I 

10 .  Mount  Carmel .  . .     Orange <  James  M.  Cheek . . . .  > 

(  Alfred  Boothe  ......  ) 

t  J.  W.  Hackney ) 

11.  Mount  Gilead....      Chatham {  A.  G.  Hinton *>      12     90 

(William  Griffin ) 

i  James  A.  Jones  . . . .  ) 

12  .   Mineral  Spring. . .     Chatham <  Joseph  Sanders >  69 

(  Alexander  Mazy. . . .  ) 

I  Willis  Ragan ) 

13.  Pleasant  Grove  . .     Chatham <  Daniel  Johnson > 

(  Ensley  Council ) 

14 .  Reave's  Chapel . .     Chatham John  R,  Marsh 87 

(  Elder  W.  Lineberry.  ) 

15.  Rocky  River Chatham <  Willis  Jones >  58 

'(  Henry  Dorsett ) 

16.  Sandy  Creek  ... .     Randolph Not  represented  ... .  72 

i  John  Thompson i 

17.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  E.  A.  Moore £■      1       39 

r  Edmund  Poe ) 


^24  A   HISTORY  OF   THE 


No.       Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


.  a.     S 
te;Kl    h 


<  Hasten  Poe 

18.   Sandy  Field Orange \  W.  M.  Poe }  100 


N.  C.  Cates . 


(  Hardy  Lasater ) 

5.9.   Gum  Spring.  ....     Chatham ^  Willis  Poe \    13     130 

(  James  S.  Lasater. . .  ) 

20.   Mechanic's  Hill. .     Moore Not  xepresented 37 

31,  Fall  Creek Chatham "  *  ....  25 

22.   Bethlehem...  Moon,., \  %&£%*•■  / /V }     5       57 

<  Stephen  J.  Cox  . 

<  John  Hutson.  .. 
(  Moses  Baldwin. 


<  Stephen  J.  Cox ) 

33.   Cedar  Falls  .... .     Bandolph <  John  Hutson.  .......  >     9      55 


40  1518 

In  1849,  this  body  met  at  Reaves'  chapel  M.  H.,  Chat- 
ham county,  N.  C,  on  the  5th  day  of  October.  Elder 
William  C.  Pattei'son  delivered  the  introductory  sermon. 
Elder  Wm.  Lineberry  was  appointed  moderator.  Brother 
George  W.  Thompson  was  present  as  a  corresponding 
messenger  from  the  Raleigh  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  W.  C.  Patter- 
son, John  Hutchins,  and  Merritt  Cheek  ;  to  Beulah,  Elder 
Levi  Andrews,  E.  H.  Straughan,  H.  M.  C.  Stroud,  and 
Samuel  Baldwin  ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  Samuel 
Barker,  and  E.  Elliott ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  N.  Richardson, 
Daniel  Hackney,  and  J.  F.  Marsh  ;  to  Raleigh,  Elders  A. 
G.  Gilbert  and  William  Lineberry,  A.  G.  Hinton  and 
Lane  A.  Hutson. 

Elders  William  Lineberry,  N.  Richardson,  and  William 
O.  Patterson,  preached  on' Sunday. 

A  public  collection  was  made,  amounting  to  $22  15, 
which  was  appropriated  to  the  itineracy. 

The  same  board  of  itineracy  was  continued. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  225 

A  'committee  of  helps  was,  at  their  request,  sent  to  the 
church  at  Mineral  Spring,  to  aid  them  in  a  matter  of  diffi- 
culty. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Brother 
A.  G.  Hinton. 

On  Monday,  the  following  brethren  were  in  attendance, 
as  corresponding  messengers  from  their  associations  :  from 
IBeulah,  Thomas  S.  Faucett ;  from  Liberty, Moody. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  unani- 
mously passed : 

"  Whereas,  it  hath  pleased  an  all-wise  Providence  to 
separate  from  us,  during  the  last  associational  year,  our 
venerable  Brother,  Elder  Eli  Phillips,  who  has  presided  as 
moderator  over  this  association  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
has  been  a  very  useful  and  indefatigable  minister  of  Christ ; 
as  a  tribute  of  respect  we  hereby  adopt  the  following  reso- 
lutions : 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  our  highly  esteemed 
brother,  we  have  lost  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  in  the 
■church,  and  the  association  an  invaluable  officer. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Brother  Phillips  the 
Baptist  denomination  has  sustained  an  irreparable  loss." 

Elder  N.  Richardson,  J.  F.  Marsh,  D.  Hackney,  A.  S. 
Dowd,  and  A.  G-.  Hinton,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
have  a  suitable  monument  erected  over  his  grave. 

The  sixth  annual  meeting  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Bible  So- 
ciety was  held  on  Monday.  The  meeting  was  addressed 
by  Elder  William  C.  Patterson  and  Brother  George  W. 
Thompson,  of  Wake  county. 


11 


226 


A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


The  following  churches  were  represented  in  the  asso- 
ciation : 


iVo.        Churches.  Counties. 

1 .  Antioch Orange 

2.  Bear  Creek 

3.  Brush  Creek 

4.  Emmaus 

5 .  Mount  Olive Chatham . 

6.  Love's  Creek. .. .  Chatham. 

7 .  May's  Chapel Chatham  . 

8.  Mount  Zion Orange... 

9 .  Mount  Gilead Chatham  . 

10.  Mount  Carmel.  ..  Orange... 

11.  Mineral  Spring. . .  Chatham.. 

12.  Pleasant  Grove  . .  Chatham.. 

13.  Reave's  Chapel. .  Chatham.. 

14.  RockyRiver Chatham.. 


Names  of  Delegates. 

Samuel  Baldwin. . . 
John  Quackenbush. 
J.  M.  Beaver 


(  Richard  Dowd. 

Chatham <  John  Dowd . . . 

r  James  Beal . . . 


101 


11     112 


C  Richard  Paschal 

Randolph <  Gera  Lane 

(  Robert  N.  Stinson 

(  E.  H.  Straughan. 

Chatham <  James  Campbell. 

(  C.  Justice 


£l 


ire  . . .  ) 


l 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews  1 

<  William  Robertson..  > 
(  Green  Moore ) 

t  Eld.  W.  C.  Patterson  ) 

<  Daniel  Hackney....  > 
(  William  B.  Dorsett  .  ) 

(  Stephen  Gilmore 

<  Samuel  Gilmo 
(  William  White 

(  David  Teague 

<  Samuel  Barker 

<E.  G.  Brothers 

(William  Griffin 

<  A.  G.  Hinton 

{  Joshua  W.  Hackney 

(  John  Hutchins 

1  J.  M.  Cheek 

(  William  G.  Weaver  .  ' 

(  James  Crutchfield. . .  ' 

ID.  Poster 

(  A.  S.  Dowd ! 

(  Ensley  Council 

<  D.  Johnson 

(  Kelly  Mitchel \ 


i  William  Hackney. 

<  John  Burke 

(Terrell  Brooks.... 


Elder  W.  Lineberry 
William  Duncan 
William  Teague, 


erry.  ) 

■•::: 


22 


65 


70 


16      00 


141 


1      38 


8      95 


25       87 


10      44 


87 


55 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  227 


No.        Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


S 


Elder  Wm.  Wilson . 

15.   Sandy  Creek Randolph <^  Leander  York ^  62 

William  Eeece  .  . . 


7      45 


9G 


(  John  Thompson  ....  1 

16.  Eock  Spring Chatham <  George  Dismukes. . .  > 

(  Stephen  Moore ) 

(.  Alexander  Hunter. .  ) 

17.  Sandy  Field Orange 1  Merritt  Cheek > 

(  George  Andrews..  . .  ) 

(Willis  Poe 1 

18.  Gum  Spring Chatham <  Wesley  Pendergrass.  >  116 

(  Hardy  Lasater ) 

I  Ashley  Parish ) 

19.  Mechanic's  Hill..     Moore <  Benjamin  P.  Person.  > 

(  L.  Manes ) 

(  William  C.  Thaggard  ) 

20.  Bethlehem Moore 1  A.  Ritter V    30 

(  A.  D.  Lawhorn ) 

(  Matthew  Sumner.  . .  ) 

21 .  Cedar  Falls Randolph <  William  Hutson }    16       71 

(  J.  F.  Marsh ) 

(.  William  Bowen ) 

22 .  Moon's  Chapel*. .     Chatham <  Joshua  Barker >  37 

(  Lane  A.  Hutson : . . .  ) 

23.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented 25 

24 .  Friendship Moore Elder  N.  Richardson.  30 


124  1707 


In  1850,  this  body  met  at  Moon's  Chapel,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.j  on  the  4th  day  of  October.  The  associa- 
tion sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  William  Lineberry. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  William  Line- 
berry,  J.  W.  Hackney,  and  A.  P.  Stroud ;  to  Beulah, 
Elder  Levi  Andrews,  Merritt  Cheek,  and  John  Hutchins ; 
to  Liberty,  Elder  N.  Richardson,  Lane  Hutson,  and  Stephen 
J.  Cox ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  William  C.  Patterson,  D. 
Hackney,  and  R.  W.  Barrett ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  E.  Crutch- 

*  A  newly  constituted  church. 


22  8  j  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

field,  Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert,  J.  C.  Stone,  and  William 
White. 

A  petition  was  sent  to  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of 
North  Carolina,  requesting  that  body  to  appoint  Elder 
William  C.  Patterson  a  missionary  to  operate  in  the 
bounds  of  this  association. 

Elders  William  Lineberry,  W.  C.  Patterson,  and  N. 
Richardson,  preached  on  Sabbath.  At  the  close  of  the 
sermon  by  Elder  Patterson,  a  collection  was  taken,  amount- 
ing to  |27  50. 

Reports  were  submitted  and  received  upon  the  itineracy, 
organizing  section  meetings,  church  letters,  &c.  The 
committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  obituary  of  Elder  Wil- 
liam H.  Merritt  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
unanimously  received  : 

"  Whereas,  it  has  pleased  an  all-wise  providence  to 
remove  from  us,  during  the  last  associational  year,  our 
worthy  and  venerable  brother,  Elder  William  H.  Merritt, 
who  for  several  years  presided  over  this  body  as  modera- 
tor, and  has  been  a  very  useful  and  laborious  minister  of 
Christ,  and  a  liberal  supporter  of  every  benevolent  object ; 
as  a  tribute  of  respect  due  to  such  a  good  man,  we  hereby 
adopt  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  our  beloved  brother, 
we  have  lost  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  in  the  church, 
and  the  association  one  of  its  most  benevolent   members. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  our  venerated  Brother 
Merritt,  the  Baptist  denomination  has  sustained  a  great 
loss. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions 
be  inserted  in  the  minutes  of  this  association." 

The  seventh  annual  meeting  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Bible 
Society  was  held  on  Monday.     The  meeting  was  addressed 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  229 

by  Elder  Levi  Andrews,  on  the  importance  of  circulating 

the  Bible. 

Funds  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer..  .$131  36|- 
Disbursements G6  70 


Balance  on  hand $64  66|- 

The  following  churches  were  represented  in  the  associa- 
tion: .;  is 


,  o.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


K 


i  Samuel  Baldwi 
1.   Antioch Orange <  John  Quackenbush.  \    16     107 


H.  M.  Stroud. 


li 


(Benjamin  Gilbert. 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Solomon  Ellis )■   14    120 

(  Nathaniel  Bafford. 

I  Bobert  N.  Stinson. 

3.  Brush  Creek Randolph 1  Cera  Lane )■      8      29 

(  Richard  Paschal. 

(  R.  W.  Barrett ) 

4.  Bethlehem Moore <?  Presley  Caddell >    14     101 

(  George  Ritter ) 

C  Austin  Lawrence.. .  ) 

5.  Cedar  Falls Randolph 1  Stephen  Cox }    12       82 

I  Eli  Coble ) 

{  Elisha  H.  Straughan.  ) 

6.  Emmaus Chatham <  Emsley  Webster . . . .  >      3       65 

(  C.  Justice 5 

7.  Friendship Moore Elder  N.  Richardson.  30 

8.  Fall  Creek, Chatham Not  represented ....  25 

James  S.  Lasater.  . .  ) 

9.  Gum  Spring Chatham 1  Willis  Poe >  109 


i  James 
1  Willis 
(  Georg' 


e  Moore . 


(  Eld.  W.  C.  Patterson  ) 

10.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  Daniel  Hackney. .  . .  >      5       90 

(  Joseph  S.  Hackney,  j 

(  Samuel  Lewis ) 

11.  Mount  Olive Chatham <  William  Robertson..  >      6       72 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews.  ) 

t  Jordan  Tyser ) 

12.  Mays  Chapel Chatham <  William  White >  13  2 

(  W.  T.  Burns S 


230 


A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No. 

Churches. 

Counties. 

Names  of  Delegates . 

*3 

1 

13. 

Orange 

(  Elder  E.  Crutchfield.  ) 

.  <  Henry  Kivit ; 

t  E.  G.  Brothers \ 

26 

14. 

Mount  Gilead. . . . 

(  William  Griffin           ) 
^Alfred  P.  Stroud.... 
( Joshua  W.  Hackney, 

88 

15. 

Mount  Carmel .  . . 

. .  <  John  Horton ) 

(  Wm.  G.  Weaver. ...) 

•    29 

105 

16. 

Mineral  Spring. . . 

1  James  A.  Jones  . . . .  . 
. .  <  Benj.  Crutchfield. . . 
(  G.  W.  Dafford ) 

■    16 

103 

17. 

Mechanic's  Hill.. 

.     Not  represented 

31 

Moon's  Chapel.. . 

>    13 

18. 

. .  1  T.  W.  Mathis 

(  C.  J.  Hutson.  ....... 

55 

19 

Pleasant  Grove  . . 

..  •?  Allen  Ellis 

■    16 

55 

W 

Reaves'  Chapel. 

(  William  Carter 

. .  <  J.  J.  Burk 

•     8 

90 

(  George  W.  Emerson. 

21. 

(  Eld.  Wm.  Lineberry. 
(  Wiley  Jones 

•     9 

63 

n 

C  Edmund  A.  Poe. . . . 
..  ^C.B.Poe 

43 

^R.  R.  Moore 

23. 

. .  <  Solomon  Siler 

(  William  Reece 

37 

24. 

Sandy  Field 

(  Merritt  Cheek 

. .  <  Alexander  Hunter.. 
(  Manly  D.  Andrews. 

•    26 

112 

25. 

Pittsborough*... 

(J.  C.Carlile 

..1  A.  W.  Holton 

( John  Thompson 

13 

195  1773 


In  1851,  this  body  convened  at  Bethel  M.  H.,  Orange 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  3d  day  of  October. 

*  A  newly  constituted  church. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.       !  231 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  N. 
Richardson.  Elder  William  Lineberry  was  appointed 
moderator. 

Corresponding  messengex's  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations :  from  Pee  Dee,  a  letter  and  minutes  ; 
from  Raleigh,  Elder  John  C.  Wilson  and  Samuel  P.  Nor- 
ris ;  from  Beulah,  Thomas  D.  Oldham,  Alvis  Durham, 
Thomas  J.  Gates,  and  Wiatt  Cates;  from  Flat  River, 
William  Duskin  and  William  Strain. 

Elder  E.  Crutchfield  was  invited  to,  and  accepted  a  seat 
as  a  ministering  brother. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
owing  associations  :  to  "^Flat  river,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield, 
H.  M.  C  Stroud,  John  Hutchins,  and  Samuel  Baldwin  ; 
to  Beulah,  Elder  William  C.  Patterson,  Samuel  Barker, 
and  William  Robertson  ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  Noah  Richard- 
son, William  Bowen,  and  P.  M.  Baldwin  ;  to  Pee  Dee, 
Elder  N.  Ilichardson,  Elder  William  Lineberry,  C.  D. 
Sowell,  and  E.  H.  Straughan  ;  to  Raleigh,  William  Griffin* 
and  Elders  Levi  Andrews,  J.  C.  Averitt,  and  Atlas  J. 
Gilbert. 

At  the  suggestion  of  several  brethren,  the  association 
agreed  to  build  a  male  academy  in  the  town  of  Pitts- 
oorough.  Trustees  were  appointed,  and  a  house  put  up, 
but  for  various  reasons  this  location  was  abandoned,  and 
inally  the  school  was  located  at  Mount  Vernon  Springs. 

On  the  Sabbath,  Elders  W.  Lineberry,  N.  Richardson, 
and  E.  Crutchfield,  preached  in  the  day,  and  Elder  J.  C. 
Averitt  preached  at  night.  The  brethren  tented  on  the 
ground  during  this  meeting. 

A  board  of  itineracy  was  appointed.  The  collection  on 
Sabbath,  amounting  to  $12  66,  was  paid  over  to  this  board. 

The  churches  were  advised  to  contribute  annually  for 


232  A  HISTORY    OP   THE 

the  benefit  of  Brother  M.  C.  Baldwin,  who  was  at  Wake 
Forest  College,  pursuing  studies  preparatory  to  the  min- 
stiy. 

Elder  William  Lineberry,  Samuel  Baldwin,  John  R. 
Marsh,  E.  H.  Straughan,  Dr.  A.  W.  Holton,  A.  P. 
Stroud,  and  Jordan  Tyser,  were  appointed  trustees  of  the 
Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association,  agreeably  to  an  act  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  Korth  Carolina,  in  relation  to- 
religious  societies. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


,K>    6 


Jsh. .  > 


4  Samuel  Baldwin. 

1.  Antioch Orange <  John  Quackenbush. .  V  95 

(H.  M.C.Stroud. 

I  A.  B.  Bright > 

2.  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert.  V    17    141 

(  Enoch  Gross ) 

3.  BmshCreek Eandolph \  ££%g^"m  []]  ]\  30 

I  John  A.  Jackson. . .  ) 

4.  Bethlehem Moore 1  A.  J.  Ritter >     9    107 

(C.  D.  Sowen ) 

(P.  M.  Baldwin ) 

5.  Cedar  Falls Randolph {  J.  T.  Elliott )■     6      72 

(G.  W.  Hyslop ) 

E.  H.  Straughan ) 

6.  Emmaus Chatham <  Richard  Webster.  ..  >    10       74 


C  E.  H.  Str; 
<  Richard  1 
(  Washingt 


iton  Cook 

7.  Friendship Moore Elder  N  Richardson.  30 

8.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented  ...  25 

i  Jas.  S.  Lasater ) 

9.  Gum  Spring Chatham <  Abner  Lasater.  . . . .  >     3     105 


George  Moore . 


(  Eld.  W.  C.  Patterson  ) 

10.  Love's  Creek Chatham  <  Daniel  Hackney >  92 

(  John  Q.  Smith ) 

C  Elder  Levi  Andrews.  ) 

11.  Mount  Olive Chatham <  Samuel  Lewis >  70 

{  Wm.  Robertson > 


SAXDY    CEEEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  233 


No. 
12. 

Churches. 
May's  Chapel. . . . 

Counties. 
Chatham 

Names  of  Delegates. 

t  Thomas  Dowdy 

(William  White 

I      ■ 

s 
122 

13. 

(  Henrv  Kivit 

<  Samuel  Barker 

f  David  Teasue 

1 

25 

14. 

Mount  Gilead. . . . 

{  A.  P.  Stroud 

<  William  Griffin 

(  A.  S.  Gamer 

\ 

79 

15. 

Mount  Carmel. . . 

Orange 

(  John  Hutchins 

1  Jas.  M.  Cheek 

(  William  G.  Weaver. 

1- 

130 

16. 

Mineral  Springs . . 

(  Eobert  Lambert . . . . 

->W.  P.  Wren 

(Benj.  Crutchfield. . . 

\ 

88 

17. 

Mechanic's  Hill,. 

Not  represented . . . . 

3 

33 

18. 

Moon's  Chapel. . . 

Chatham 

C  William  Bowen 

<  M.  Jordan 

(  Thos.  M.  Matthews. 

h 

57 

19. 

Pleasant  Grove . . 

(  Daniel  Johnson 

<  Thomas  W.  Womble. 
(J.  H.Mitchell 

i   2 

58 

20. 

Beave's  Chapel. . 

(  Benjamin  Watson. . . 
(  John  Kobert  Marsh. 

}  * 

85 

21. 

Eocky  Purer  .... 

(  Elder  W.  Lineberry . 

<  W.  Duncan 

<S.  Carter 

1 

59 

22. 

C  George  Dismukes. . . 

<  E.  A.  Jroore 

(  E.  E.  Moore 

\ 

44 

23. 

.     Not  represented 

37 

24.   Bethel 

(formerly  Sandy  Field) 

(  i[anly  D.  Andrews. 
<  Xeverson  Cates . . . . 
(  Atlas  J.  Lloyd 

\< 

100 

25. 

26. 

Cool  Spring* .... 

Moore 

(Elder  J.  C.  Averitt. 

1  A.  W.  Holton 

(  John  Thompson 
Win  ship  Bryant  . .  , . 

\ 

18 

15 

27. 

Randolph  .... 
*  Newly  cons 

.  <  Philip  Hutson 

(  G.  W.  Daffron 

tituted. 

\ 

25 

• 

87 

1819 

11* 

234  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

The  eighth  annual  meeting  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Bible 
Society  was  held  on  Saturday  p.  m. 

The  amount  contributed  this  year  was  $58  14. 

Elder  J.  C.  Averitt  addressed  the  society,  showing  the 
great  importance  of  giving  the  Bible  to  all  the  world. 

Elder  Levi  Andrews  was  appointed  president,  J.  R. 
Marsh,  first,  and  J.  S.  Lasater  second  vice  president, 
Elder  N.  Eichardson,  secretary,  E.  H.  Straughan,  treas- 
urer, and  Elder  William  Lineberry,  general  agent. 

Cash  on  hand  last  year $64  66 

Received  this  year 66  53 

$131  19 
Disbursements 61  48 

Balance  on  hand $69  71 

In  1852,  this  body  met  at  Pittsborough,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  4th  day  of  October. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  E. 
Grutchfield. 

Elder  William  Lineberry  was  appointed  moderator. 
Messengers   of  correspondence  were   present  from  the 
following   associations :  from  Beulah,  Elder   George   W. 
Purefoy,  Thomas  D.  Oldham, *  and  Stephen  Wilkinson. 

Elder  John  C.  Wilson  and  Moses  C.  Baldwin  were  in- 
vited to,  and  accepted  seats. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations;  to  Flat  River,  Samuel  Baldwin,  H.  M.  C 
Stroud,  and  John  Hutchins  ;  to  Beulah,  Elder  William  C 
Patterson,  Samuel  Lewis,  and  William  Robertson ;  to 
Raleigh,  Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert,  William  Griffin,  J.  W. 
Hackney,  and  A.  P.  Stroud ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  N.  Rich- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  235 

ardson,  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  and  P.M.  Baldwin;  to  Pee 
Dee,  Elder  William  Linebeny,  Elder  Noah  Richardson, 
and  E.  H.  Straughan. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed  to  report  at 
the  next  association  : 

On  Sabbath  Schools — Jordan  Tyser,  Stephen  Gilmore, 
and  Stephen  Moore  ; 

On  Temperance — Elder  N.  Richardson,  W.  Bryant,  and 
P.  M.  Baldwin  ; 

On  Periodicals — Dr.  A.  W.  Holton,  Samuel  Baldwin, 
and  John  Thompson ; 

On  the  State  of  Religion — A.  P.  Stroud,  William  Griffin, 
and  James  S.  Lasater. 

The  sum  of  $43  15  was  contributed  for  the  benefit  of 
Brother  M.  C.  Baldwin,  a  licentiate  of  this  body,  now  at 
Wake  Forest  college. 

On  Saturday  Elders  George  W.  Purefoyand  J.  C.  Wil- 
son preached  in  the  Methodist  M.  H.  ;  and  at  night  Elder 
Richardson  preached  at  the  Baptist  M.  H. 

On  Sunday,  in  the  forenoon,  Elder  George  W.  Purefoy 
preached  in  the  Presbyterian  M.  H.,  Elder  William  Line* 
berry  in  the  Methodist  M.  H.,  and  Elder  N.  Richardson 
in  the  Baptist  M.  H.  At  three  o'clock  Elder  E.  Crutch- 
field  preached  in  the  Baptist  M.  H.,  and  Brother  M.  C. 
Baldwin  in  the  Methodist  M.  H.  At  night,  Elder  N. 
Richardson  preached  in  the  Baptist  M.  II. 

One  member  from  each  church  was  appointed  to  solicit 
from  the  churches  funds  to  aid  Brethren  M.  C.  Baldwin 
and  Benson  F.  Cole  in  procuring  clothing,  books,  &c. 
while  prosecuting  their  studies  at  "Wake  Forest  college. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  to  the  Methodists  and 
Presbyterians  of  Pittsborough,  for  the  use  of  their  meeting- 
houses during  this  meeting. 


236 


A   HISTORY   OF   THE 


The  following  churches  were  represented : 


No. 

Churches. 

Counties. 

Names  of  Delegates. 

I. 

(  Samuel  Baldwin ) 

..  ^William  Lloyd } 

/John  R.War'd ) 

4 

95 

2. 

Benjamin  Gilbert 

141 

3. 

. . .     Richard  Paschal 

32 

4. 

(S.  Phillips ) 

..  •?  A.  D.  Ritter [ 

5 

108 

5. 

(  P.  M.  Baldwin            ) 
■\  J.  T.  Elliott f 

2 

71 

fi 

i  E.  H.  Straughan f 

7 

80 

(T.  C.  Clark ) 

7. 

39 

8. 

Fall  Creek 

25 

9. 

(  George  Moore ) 

...  1  Willis  Poe V 

(  James  S.  Lasater. .  ) 

100 

10. 

Love's  Creek. . .. 

Chatham. . . . 

. . .  1  J.  A.  Gilliland            } 
I  G.  W.  Gee ) 

90 

11. 

Mount  Olive 

l  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 
<  William  Robertson. .  > 
(  Samuel  Lewis ) 

70 

12. 

May's  Chapel . . . 

(  Jordan  Tyser ) 

...  |W.T.  Burns V 

(  Stephen  Gilmore . . .  ) 

17 

126 

13. 

Mount  Zion 

(  E.  G.  Brothers, ) 

"  "  {  David  Teague j 

24 

14. 

Mount  Gilead. . .. 

(A.  P.  Stroud ) 

,  <  Joshua  W.  Hackney  > 
I  William  Griffin ) 

79 

15. 

Mount  Carmel. . 

130 

16. 

Mineral  Spring . . 

. .  {  N.  B.  Bray <■ 

(  B.  Fooshee ) 

87 

17. 

Mechanic's  Hill. 

. ..     Not  represented 

33 

18. 

Moon's  Chapel . . 

IT.  W.  Mathis               ) 

...  <  M.  Jordan > 

f  Thomas  Marley ) 

54 

SANDY    CEEEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  237 


No.    Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


'*     S 


(  Thomas  W.  Womble  ) 

19.  Pleasant  Grove..     Chatham 1  L.  Ellis }  56 

(  W.  H.  Womble ) 

I  John  Burk ) 

20.  Eeave's  Chapel..     Chatham <  J.  E.  Marsh >  81 

(  John  Emerson ) 

(  Henry  Porsett ) 

21 .  Eocky  Eiver Chatham '. .  <  Elder  W.  Lineberry .  >  59 

(  Elder  E.  Crutchfield.  ) 

I  Stephen  Moore ) 

22.  Eock  Spring Chatham 1  E.  C.  Poe }  43 

(  E.A.Moore ) 

(  W.  Kirkman ) 

23 .  Sandy  Creek Eandolph <  J.  Burees >  35 


24.   Bethel Orange <  A.  Hunter }  100 


S.  S.  Siler 

(  Eichard  S.  Andrews 

'  A.  Hunter 

Manley  D.  Andrews  ' 


John  Thompson 

25.  Pittsborough Chatham <J  J.  Hammock V  17 

A.  W.  Holton 


13 


26 .  Cool  Spring Moore. \  Som^  Ma'this  V.'.'.} 

IT).  Kivit ) 

27.  Columbia Eandolph <  Phillip  Hutson >  23 

(  G.  W.  Dafford ) 

35  1802 
The  board  of   itineracy  reported  that  Elder  William 
Lineberry  labored  sixty-five  days  and  baptized  seven  per- 
sons. 

On  Saturday,  October  2,  the  Sandy  Creek  Bible  Society 
held  its  ninth  annual  meeting.  Elders  Purefoy  and  Rich- 
ardson addressed  the  meeting,  after  -which  a  subscription 
was  taken  up,  amounting  to  $38  55. 

In  1853,  this  body  met  at  Bear  Creek  M.  H.,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  30th  day  of  September. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Brother  A. 
L.  Stough. 


238  A  HISTORY   OF   THE 

Brother  W.  D.  Dowel  was  unanimously  elected  moderator. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Raleigh,  Elder  J.  C.  Wilson  ;  from 
Pee  Dee,  Elder  A.  D.  Blackwood  ;  from  Beulah,  Elder  T. 
S.  Yarbro. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  following 
associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Samuel  Baldwin,  Peter  Free- 
man, and  John  Hutchins  ;  to  Beulah,  Elder  William  Line- 
berry,  William  Robertson,  J.  R.  Ward,  and  A.  P.  Stroud  ; 
to  Raleigh,  Elder  William  C.  Patterson,  R.  A.  Patterson, 
and  A.  Ellis ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  N.  Richardson,  Elder  E. 
Crutchfield,  and  S.  Barker  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  Job  Jacks, 
E.  A.  Poe,  W.  D.  Dowd,  and  Elder  N.  Richardson. 

Committees  were  appointed  on  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention of  N.  C,  and  on  the  N.  C  Baptist  Bible  and 
Publication  Society. 

Brethren  A.  L.  Stough  and  Samuel  Baldwin  were  or- 
dained to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  on  Sunday  morning. 
The  presbytery  consisted  of  Elders  N.  Richardson,  T.  S. 
Yarbro,  William  C.  Patterson,  |A.  D.  Blackwood,  E. 
Crutchfield,  and  John  C.  Wilson. 

Brother  Stough  was  sent  up  for  examination  by  the 
church  at  Lystra,  and  Brother  Baldwin,  by  the  church  at 
Antioch. 

The  association  recommended  Elder  A.  L.  Stough  to 
the  Board  of  the  N.  C.  B.  and  P.  Society,  as  a  proper 
person  for  a  colporteur  to  operate  in  the  bounds  of  this 
association. 

On  Sunday,  Elders  A.  D.  Blackwood,  Thomas  S.  Yar- 
bro, and  N.  Richardson,  preached,  and  Elder  William  C. 
Patterson  at  night. 

At  the  close  of  Elder  Yarbro's  sermon  a  collection  was 
taken  up,  amounting  to  $70  00,  for  missionary  purposes. 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  239 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  funds  to  aid  Breth- 
ren Baldwin  and  Cole,  reported  that  they  had  received 
$62  70. 

Elders  N.  Eichardson,  and  A.  L.  Stough,  and  Brethren 
E.  A.  Poe,  W.  D.  Dowd,  A.  P.  Stroud,  and  Daniel  Hack- 
ney, were  appointed  delegates  to  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention of  N.  C. 

Among  others,  the  following  resolutions  were  passed : 

"  Resolved,  That  each  pastor  of  the  several  churches 
be  requested  to  preach  a  sermon,  at  least  once  a  year,  at 
each  of  his  churches,  on  the  ordinance  of  baptism  and 
communion." 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  regards  the  manufac- 
ture and  sale  of  ardent  spirits  as  unbecoming  any  member 
of  Baptist  churches." 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.     Chw.ches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  ^  g-     ~ 

fe;cq     Eh 
(  J.  E.  Ward ) 

1.  Antioch Orange 1  R.  A.  Patterson >      8     102 

(  D.  W.  Durham ) 

{.  W.  Phillips ) 

2 .  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  J.  Dowd }   19    147 

(  E.  Nails ) 

10.  Welch ) 

3.  Brush  Creek. Randolph <  Elder  Job  Jacks >    30       CI 

(  Gera  Lane ) 

(R.W.Barrett ) 

4.  Bethlehem Moore {  J.  Warner }      6     122 

(  B.  Fry ) 

C  Manly  D.    Andrews.  ) 

5.  Bethel Orange <  R.  Andrews >  95 

(  A.  J.  Lloyd ) 

6 .  Emmaus Chatham Claborn  Justice 20       99 

(S.  L.  Cox ) 

7.  Cedar  Falls Randolph {  E.  Coble }  62 


M.  Sumner 


8.  CoolSpring Moore {  I^ne?!:  ..V.  V.V.  }     6      2 


240 


A   HISTORY  OF   THE 


No- 
9. 

Churches. 

Counties. 
Randolph .  . . 

Names  of  Delegates. 

t  John  Hutson 

. .  1  J.  R.  Wilson 

(  W.  J.  Hutson 

fejft) 

\ 

25 

10. 

C  W.  D.  Dowd 

. .  1  E.  Q.  Sowell 

(  J.  R.  McLemore 

\ 

5 

53 

11. 

Love's  Creek. . . . 

(  G.  W.  Gee 

. .  <  J.  Lambert 

(  Daniel  Hackney .... 

\ 

i? 

98 

12. 

C  Atlas  J.  Rigssbee. . . 
<  Stephen  E.  Cole 

\ 

74 

13. 

Mineral  Spring. . . 

C  J.  H.  Crutchfield... 
..  ^  A.  Dowd 

\ 

87 

14. 

May's  Chapel.. .. 

(  Jordan  Tyser 

. .  <  Thomas  Dowdy  ... 
1  J.  W.  White 

\ 

3 

132 

15. 

Moon's  Chapel  . . 

(  T.  W.  Matthews . . . . 
(  Thomas  Marley 

\ 

52 

16. 

Mount  Gilead 

Chatham . .  . 

(  A.  P.  Stroud 

\ 

85 

17. 

Mount  Zion  .  .     . 

(  S.  Barker 

. . .  <  E.  G.  Brothers 

\ 

23 

18. 

<  William  Robertson. . 
"■  }P.  Ellington 

\ 

3 

75 

19. 

Mount  Carmel. . , 

5  John  Hutchins 

' "  (  William  G.  Weaver. 

} 

54 

20. 

Mechanic's  Hill. . 

(  G.  W.  Davis 

■ '  \  A.  Manes 

\ 

30 

21. 

Fall  Creek 

25 

22 

Chatham . .  . 

(  Hardy  Lasater 

. . .  <  A.  Lasater 

\ 

14 

107 

23. 

Pleasant  Grove. 

C  Thomas  H.  Womble 

...  1  Allen  Ellis 

(  Kelley  Mitchel 

!\ 

54 

24 

C  A.  W.  Holton  .... 
(  John  Thompson  . . . , 

\ 

16 

*  A  newly  constituted  church,  taken  from  Mount  Carmel. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  241 


No.    Ckyrches.  Counties.  Names  ofDelegates.  ^  §i     S 

Benjamin  Watson  . .  1 

25.  Reave's  Chapel..     Chatham \  W.  Burk V  77 

Webster 5 


(Br 
<W 

! .  Rocky  River  ....     Chatham \  ™R^;. CrUtehfidd  \     3 


2G.  Rocky  River  ....     Chatham •$  g  Qarter '     3      59 

(  E.  A.Poe ) 

27.  Rock  Spring Chatham 1  R.  R.  Moore V      1       51 

(  George  Dismukes  . .  ) 

(  W.  Kirkman ) 

28.  Sandy  Creek  ....      Randolph 1  L.  York V  35 

(  P.  Freeman ) 

119  1890 


In  1854,  this  body  met  at  Mount  Pleasant  M.  H.,  Ran- 
dolph county,  N.  C,  on  the  29th  day  of  September.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Thomas  S. 
Yarbro.  Brother  W.  D.  Dowd  was  appointed  moderator. 
Elders  William  Lineberry,  A.  L.  Stough,  and  J.  Murry, 
were  invited  to,  and  accepted  seats  in  the  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elders  William  C. 
Patterson,  Thomas  S.  Yarbro,  and  Brother  P.  H.  McDade  ; 
to  Beulah,  S.  V.  Barker,  E.  G.  Brothers,  and  B.  J.  Hack- 
ney ;  to  Raleigh,  iWlliam  Griffin,  J.  C.  Stone,  and  A.  W. 
Jones  ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  William  C.  Patterson,  E.  Crutch- 
field,  and  J.  Murry  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elder  A.  L.  Stough,  W. 
D.  Dowd,  and  E.  H.  Straughan. 

Committees  were  appointed  on  home  and  foreign  mis- 
sions, education,  temperance,  Sabbath  schools,  and  on  col- 
porteurage. 

On  the  Sabbath.  Elders  William  Lineberry,  Thomas  S. 
Yarbro,  and  N.  Richardson  preached.  Elder  A.  L.  Stough 
preached  at  night.  At  the  close  of  Elder  Yarbro's  sermon 
a  collection  was  taken,  amounting  to  $40.  The  sum  of 
$38  60  was  contributed  for  Brethren  M.  C.  Baldwin  and 
B.  F.  Cole. 


242  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

Elders  J.  Jacks,  J.  Muny,  and  A.  L.  Stough,  and 
Brethren  Jordan  Tyser,  Stephen  Gilmore,  and  W.  D. 
Dowd,  were  appointed  delegates  to  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention of  N.  C 

It  was  "  Resolved,  That  this  association  have  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  at  its  annual 
meetings." 

This  practice  was  soon  discontinued,  from  the  fact  that 
this  is  a  church  and  not  an  associational  ordinance. 

The  trustees  of  this  association  were  instructed  to  look 
out  and  procure  a  suitable  site  for  a  male  and  female 
school  in  the  bounds  of  this  association.  Mount  Vernon 
Springs  was  suggested  as  a  suitable  place. 

The  trustees  of  this  body,  at  this  time,  were  Elder  Wil- 
liam Lineberry,  Elder  Samuel  Baldwin,  J.  R.  Marsh,  E. 
H.  Straughan,  J.  Tyser,  Dr.  A.  W.  ITolton,  A.  P.  Stroud, 
William  Carter,  Josiah  White,  E.  Hinton,  and  Robert 
Marsh. 

The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  body,  at  this 
time,  were  AVilliam  Lineberry,  E.  Crutch  field,  A.  J.  Gil- 
bert, W.  Coggins,  G-.  W.  Purefoy,  B.  J.  Hackney,  Samuel 
Baldwin,  T.  S.  Yarbro,  A.  L.  Stough,  J.  Jacks,  J.  Murry, 
Noah  Richardson,  H.  Woodwai'd,  J.  Sowell,  and  William 
C.  Patterson. 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

" Resolved,  That  it  be  a  standing  rule  of  this  body  to  per- 
mit any  of  the  brethren  of  this  association  to  represent  us 
at  the  meetings  of  any  sister  association  with  which  we 
usually  correspond." 

Interc-iting  reports  were  submitted  and  printed,  on  educa- 
tion, colporteurage,  home  and  foreign  missions,  temperance, 
and  Sabbath  schools. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  243 


The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates  >5  3"     -2 

1.  Antioch Orange D.M.Durham 31     13   7 

I  Elder  Job  Jacks ) 

2.  Brash  Creek Eandolph <  Gera  Lane >     1      59 

(  J.  Bowen ) 

C  James  S.  Lasater.  . .  1 

S .   Gum  Spring Chatham <  A.  Lasater >  103 

(  George  Moore j 

4 .  Pleasant  Grove  . .     Chatham W.  H.  Womble 57 

t  J.  E.  Marsh ) 

5.  Reave's  Chapel. .     Chatham <  E.  W.  Webster >  70 

(R.  D.  Burk ) 

Leander  Kivit .... 

Leander  York )■  34 


6 .   Sandy  Creek  ....     Randolph . 


J.  E.  Pew 

7.  Bear  Creek Chatham Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert. .       19     1G1 

Eld.  W.  C.  Patterson  ' 

Daniel  Hackney )>  88 

J.  Lambert 

P.  M.  Baldwin..  .. 

9.   Cedar  Falls Randolph <  W.  B.  Cheek J>    28       88 

"•"  Coble 


8.  Love  s  Creek.  ,,v.     Chatham  ..  _„_. 


IP.. 

]w. 

f  Eli 

10.  Mineral  Springs . .     Chatham {  £■  J  J  ^oshee '.'.'.  \  T8 

(E.  A.  Poe ) 

11 .  Rock  Spring Chatham  ......  <  R.  R.  Moore >■  50 

(  Joseph  Dismukes .  . .  ) 

12.  Pittsborough  .    ..     Chatham Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro. .  19 

(H.  Dorsett ) 

1 3 .  Rocky  River Chatham <  W.  Jones >  54 

(  S.  Carter ) 

•  i     n-      ii.  nr  (  Elder  H.  Woodward.  )      -,       0? 

14.  Friendship Moore }  W.  D.  Dowd f      X       37 


15.   Cool  Spring..    ..     Moore J  J.  T.  Gilmore >      2       1G 


Henley. ) 

IT.  J.  Clark ) 

16.  Emmaus Chatham 1  Pinkney  Thrift >23     122 

(  W.  Cook ) 

(  Jordan  Tyser ) 

17 .  May's  Chapel Chatham <  Stephen  Gilmore. . . .  >  128 


A.  W.  Lindsey 


244  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

No.        Churches.                     Counties.               Names  of  Delegates.  ^  §<     -g 

fe;Cq     h 
i  M.  Jordan ) 

18.  Moon's  Chapel...     Chatham <  T.  W.  Matthews. ...  >  6      58 

(  Thomas  Marley ) 

19.  Bethlehem Moore {  ^LawhSn  "  [  \  \  \  \\  2     121 

20.  Bethel Orange Letter. 

21 .  Mount  Gilead ....     Chatham \  ™  roM?!^ '. '.'.['}  6    101 

22 .  Mount  Zion Orange ||  g;  f°£™ " ' ; ; '  }  23 

23.  Monnt  Olive Chatham William  Robertson. .  64 

24 .  Mount  Carmel . . .     Orange Letter 3      70 

25 .  Columbia Randolph i  £oh£;H;?tSOn £  15      40 


94 


n»  T  (  J.  T.  Riggsbee   )    n~ 

26-  Lystra U-J-Riggsbee i    16 

27.  Mechanic's  Hill. .     Moore j  ^  p^f £  30 

28.  Fall  Creek Chatham Not  represented. 

29 .  Chapel  Hill*  ....     Orange j  ^  a 


P.  H.  McDade . 
aac  Hudson  . 


40 


149  2030 


In  1855,  this  body  met  at  Antioch  M.  H.,  Orange 
county,  N.  C,  on  the  5th  day  of  October.  The  introduc- 
tory sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder  J.  C.  Wilson.  Elder 
William  Lineberry  was  chosen  moderator.  Elder  N.  Rich- 
ardson, who  had  been  the  standing  clerk  for  about  twenty 
years,  having  tendered  his  resignation,  E.  H.  Straughan 
was  elected  clerk. 

The  association  "  tendered  its  thanks  to  Elder  Noah 
Richardson,  for  his  efficient  services  as  clerk  of  this  body 
for  twenty  years." 

An  effort  was  made  to  constitute  the  ordained  ministers 
of  this  body  ex  officio  members  of  the  same.     The  matter 

*  Chapel  Hill,  a  newly  constituted  church,  was  received  at  this  meeting. 


SANDY  CREEK  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION.  245 

was  laid  over  for  final   action  at  the  next  association,  at 
"which  time  it  was  decided  against. 

Dr.  G.  F.  IT.  Crocket,  agent  of  the  Indian  mission,  was 
invited  to,  and  accepted  a  seat  in  the  association. 

The  Baptist  church  in  Fayetteville,  by  its  delegates, 
Elder  James  McDaniel,  W.  B.  Shemwell,  and  James  F. 
Marsh,  petitioned  for  admission  into  this  body.  It  was 
received,  and  its  delegates  were  recognised  as  members  of 
this  body. 

Ministering  Brethren  B.   J.   Hackney,   A.  L.   Stough, 
and  J.  C.  Wilson,  accepted  seats  in  the  association. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  from  Flat  River,  Elder  B.  J.  Hackney 
and  Abel  Maddry;  from  Beulah,  Thomas  D.  Oldham, 
Alexander  Douglass,  Chesley  P.  Moore,  and  Wm.  Jones. 
Committees  were  appointed  on  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention, church  letters,  temperance,  foreign  and  domestic 
missions,  periodicals,  education,  special  changes,  and  Sab- 
bath schools. 

■.^Special  prayer  was  offered  for  a  revival  of  religion  in 
the  bounds  of  this  association. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  B.  J.  Hackney, 
Elder  Thomas  S.  Yarbro  and  P.  H.  McDade  ;  to  Beu- 
lah, Elder  J.  P.  Mason,  Elder  Thomas  S.  Yarbro,  A.  P. 
Stroud,  and  Alvis  Durham ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder  George  W. 
Purefoy,  Elder  J.  C.  Wilson,  and  J.  W.  Hackney ;  to 
Liberty,  Elder  Levi  Andrews,  Elder  J.  Murry,  Elder  E. 
Crutchfield,  and  P.  P.  Freeman  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Jas. 
McDaniel,  A.  L.  Stough,  ^N.  Richardson,  and  Brother 
Daniel  Hackney. 

The  trustees  of  this  association,  who  were  appointed 
last  year  to  look  out  and  procure  a  suitable  location  for  a 


246  A   HISTORY  OP  THE 

male  and  female  school,  reported  that  they  had  purchased 
of  Abner  B.  Marsh  the  "  Mount  Vernon  Springs,"  and 
established  male  and  female  schools  under  the  name  of 
"  The  Mount  Vernon  Male  and  Female  Seminary." 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  trustees  of  said 
school,  in  addition  to  those  appointed  last  year :  Aaron 
Emmerson,  A.  B.  Marsh,  M.  F.  C.  Iddings,  W.  P.  Wren, 
B.  N.  Watson,  John  T.  Brooks,  William  Headen,  Allen 
Fox,  R.  B.  Paschal,  William  Bowen,  John  B.  Headen, 
Elder  Noah  Richardson,  W.  D.  Andrews,  Elder  James 
McDaniel,  William  White,  J.  S.  Lasater,  and  Elder- 
Thomas  S.  Yarbro. 

The  first  Friday  in  May  was  set  apart  as  a  day  of  fast- 
ing and  prayer. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  prepared  by  Elder 
George  W.  Purefoy,  on  "  A  Call  to  the  Gospel  Ministry." 

A  resolution  from  the  church  at  Bethel  M.  H.,  recom- 
mending this  association  to  take  a  scholarship  in  Wake 
Forest  college,  was  laid  on  the  table,  and  the  following 
resolution  was  passed : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  several  churches  composing  this 
association  be  requested  to  take  into  consideration  the 
subject  of  raising  a  scholarship  for  Wake  Forest  college, 
and  report  to  the  next  association." 

A  board  of  itineracy  was  appointed,  and-  the  churches 
earnestly  recpuested  to  contribute  funds  to  aid  said  board 
to  supply  the  destitute  portions  of  this  association  with 
preaching. 

Elders  William  Lineberry,  James  McDaniel,  and  Noah 
Bichardson,  preached  on  the  Sabbath.  At  the  close  of  the 
sermon  by  Elder  McDaniel,  a  collection  was  taken,  amount- 
ing to  $54  41. 

At  three  o'clock,  Elder  G.  F.  H,  Crocket  addressed  the 
audience  on  Indian  Missions. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  247 

The  church  at  Chapel  Hill  recommend  Brother  J.  P. 
Mason  for  examination  before  this  body,  with  a  view  to 
his  ordination  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  As  Brother 
Mason  was  prevented  by  family  indisposition  from  appear- 
ing at  the  time  appointed  before  the  association,  Elders 
McDaniel,  Richardson,  Yarbro,  Wilson,  Purefoy,  and 
Hackney,  were  appointed  a  presbytery  to  attend  to  that 
duty  at  Brother  Mason's  convenience. 

Delegates  were  appointed  to  attend  the  Baptist  State 
Convention  of  N.  C. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  this  association  are 
hereby  earnestly  requested  to  take  up  a  public  collection 
in  their  congregations  every  year  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C." 

Every  pastor  of  our  churches  should  invariably  comply 
with  this  request.  If  this  was  done,  our  missionary  and 
educational  interests  would  prosper,  without  the  necessity 
of  agents.  Every  church  should  consider  itself  a  mis- 
sionary body,  and  its  pastor  an  agent. 

The  committee  on  special  changes  reported  the  death  of 
Brother  Stephen  Moore,  who  had  been  an  exemplary  and 
efficient  member  of  Emmaus  and  Bock  Spring  churches. 
And  also  the  death  of  Elder  William  C.  Patterson,  who 
was  an  efficient,  zealous,  and  useful  minister  of  this  body. 

The  association  passed  the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  churches  to  send 
donations  to  the  next  association  to  purchase  a  suitable 
tombstone  for  Brother  Patterson's  grave." 

Resolutions   were   unanimously   passed   recommending     ] 
"  The   Great_Iron  Wheel,"   and   "  Orchard's  History  ot     j 
Foreign  Baptists."   And  also  defending  the  moral  character 
of  Elder  J.  R.  Graves,  the  author   of  the  "  Great  Iron      I 


248  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

Wheel,"  against  the  slanders  and  misrepresentations  of 
the  enemies  of  that  work,  and  recommending  him  to  the 
confidence  of  the  denomination. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 


No.    Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 

Alvis  Durham 


S 


I  Alvis  Durham ) 

Antioch Orange 1  Alfred  P.  Stroud ....  S     1    123 

(R.  M.  C.Stroud....  ) 

-I 


(  Elder  Job  Jacks . 

2 .  Brash  Creek Randolph 1 E.  B.  Paschal }  55 

{  Gera  Lane .... 

(  Willis  Phillips. 

3s  Bear  Creek Chatham 1  J.  Temple £.15    177 

(  Larkin  Lloyd . 

(  S.  P.  Phillips ) 

i.  Bethlehem Moore 1  R.  W.  Barrett >     2    122 

(  J.  W.  Warner ) 

C  Manly  D.  Andrews . .  ) 

5.  Bethel Orange 2  W.  M.  Poe V     5      95 

(  Ruffin  Andrews J 

(  P.  P.  Freeman ) 

6.  Cedar  Falls Randolph ^  J.  T.  Elliott }     2      90 


Parker  Fox. 
W.  Bryant. 


(  W.  Bryant ) 

Cool  Spring. Moore V  A.  W.  Jones S     2      26 

(  D.  C.Murchison ) 

(.  J.  Whitehead ) 

Columbia Randolph <  J.  Hutson >     10    50 


W.  J.  Hutson. 


(  Nash  Cheek. 

9.    Chapel  Hill Orange <J  David  McCauley. ..  S     11    75 

(  P.  H.  McDade. 

)R.  Webster... 

10.  Emmaus Chatham >  E.  H.  Straughan ]■     4     123 

5  Claborn  Justice. 

(  Elder  N.  Richardson  ) 

11.  Friendship, Moore <E.Q.  Bowell >     1      43 

(W.  D.  Dowd S 

Elder  J.  McDaniel . .  ) 

12.  Fayetteville Cumberland.  . .  1  W.  B.  Shemwell  . . .  }     1     375 


l  Elder  J. 
1  W.  B.  S 
( J.  F.  Ms 


Marsh . 


f.  George  Moore ) 

13  .   Gum  Spring Chatham <  Abner  Lasater >  105 

{  James  S.  Lasater. . .  ) 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION. 


249 


No. 

14, 

Churches. 
Love's  Creek. . . 

Counties. 

Karnes  of  Delegates. 

<  Daniel  Hackney. . . 
. ..  IS.  T.  Gee 

6  A      2 

>             85 

15. 

1  A.  J.  Riggsbee 

(F.  B.Cole 

6      97 

16. 

Mineral  Spring. . 

C  R.  Lambert , 

.  ..  1  J.  H.  Crutohfield... 
[W.P.Wren 

i     1      77 

17. 

May's  Chapel. . . 

.     Chatham ,  .  , 

C  William  White 

{  W.  A.  Lindsey 

I           126 

18. 

Moon's  Chape?. . 

i  Elder  J.  Murry 

. ..  ^H.  D.  Teague 

(  Miles  Edwards 

>             55 

19. 

Mount  Gilead  . . 

i  J.  W.  Hackney 

. .  <  H.  J.  Stone 

(  William  Griffin 

i            60 

Mount  Zion 

<H.  Kivit 

) 

20. 

. .  <  E.  G.  Brothers 

(S.  V.Barker 

\     9      31 

21. 

Chatham 

(  Elder  Levi  Andrews 

. .  <P.  Ellington 

{  Green  Moore ....... 

>             62 

22. 

Mount  Carmel. . . 

Orange 

Not  represented. .. . 

70 

23. 

Mechanic's  Hill. . 

Mooie 

. .     Letter 

32 

24. 

Pleasant  Grove. . 

Chatham 

(  Daniel  Johnson  .... 

. .  {  L.  Ellis 

(T.  W.  Womble 

\      " 

25. 

Pittsborough 

<  Elder  T.S.  Yarbro.. 

. .  <  John  Thompson .... 

{  A.  W.  Holton 

\             " 

26. 

Reave's  Chapel. . 

i  E.  W.  Webster 

..  1  B.  N.  Watson 

<  T.  Johnson 

\            66 

27. 

1  R.  C.  Poe 

,  .  ->C.  C.  P.  Dismukes:. 

I     7      51 

23. 

Chatham 

(  Elder  W.  Lineberry. 
<  Elder  E.  Crulchfield. 
(  S.  Carter 

I            53 

29. 

Sandy  Creek  .... 

..     Not  represented.. ,  ... 

34 
77    2426 

12 


250  A    IIISTOStY    OF    THE 

In  1856,  this  |body  met  at  May's  Chapel,  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.,  on  the  3d  day  of  October. 

The    introductory  sermon  was  delivered  by  Elder   G. 

F.  H.  Crockett.  Elder  William  Lineberry  was  chosen 
moderator.  The  Baptist  church  at  Crane's  Creek  was  re- 
ceived at  this  meeting. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations:  from  Beulah,  Thomas  D.  Oldham 
and  W.  M.  Jones  ;  from  Liberty,  Elder  A.  Weaver,  Elder 
O.  Churchill,  and  A.  Palmer ;  from  Kaleigh,  Elder  J.  J. 
James  and  Joseph  Horton.  Ministering  brethren  G.  F. 
H.  Crockett,  E.  F.  Beachcm,  E.  Crutchfield,  and  Elias 
Dodson,  agent  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board,  were  invited 
to,  and  accepted  seats  in  the  association.  Committees 
were  appointed  on  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  church 
letters,  temperance,  foreign  missions,  domestic  missions, 
periodicals,  Sabbath  schools,  &c. 

Brother  P.  M.  Powell  arrived,  and  took  a  seat  as  a  cor- 
responding messenger  from  the  Pee  Dee  Association.  Elder 

G.  W.  Purefoy  arrived,  and  took  a  seat  as  a  ministering 
brother. 

The  trustees  of  the  Mount  Vernon  Male  and  Female 
Seminary  presented  their  annual  report. 

Elders  George  W.  Purefoy,  Noah  Richardson,  and  Amos 
Weaver,  preached  on  Sunday.  At  the  close  of  Elder 
Richardson's  sermon,  a  collection  was  taken,  amounting  to 
$73  40. 

A  committee,  which  was  appointed  last  year,  presented 
a  constitution  for  an  itinerant  board,  which  was  unani- 
mously adopted.  The  payment  of  Jive  dollars  entitled  the 
donor  to  a  seat  in  said  board,  the  meeting  to  be  held 
annually  at  the  time  and  place  of  holding  this  associa- 
tion.     The  object  of  this  board  was   to  send  ministers 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  251 

into  the  destitute  portions  within  the  bounds  of  this  as- 
sociation. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  to  Plat  River,  Elders  J.  C  Wilson 
T.  S.  Yarbro,  Levi  Andrews,  and  Brother  R.  H.  McDade  . 
to  Beulah,  Elder  B.  J.  Hackney,  Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro,  and 
brethren  Stephen  Gilmore,  and  E.  G.  Brothers  ;  to  Raleigh, 
Elders  James  McDaniel,  G.  W.  Purefoy,  J-  C.  Wilson, 
E.  F.  Beachem,  and  Brethren  William  White  and  Wil- 
liam Griffin ;  to  Liberty,  Elders  E.  Crutchfield,  N.  Rich- 
ardson, William  Lineberry,  and  Brethren  S.  V.  Barker 
and  S.  White  ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  Jas.  McDaniel,  N. 
Richardson,  and  Brethren  Daniel  Hackney  and  W.  D. 
Dowd. 

Seven  delegates  were  appointed  to  represent  this  body 
in  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C. 

It  was  reported  to  the  association  that  Elder  Joseph 
Murry,  a  minister  in  connection  with  this  body,  holds  and 
publicly  preaches  sentiments  that  are  subversive  of  the 
gospel  system.  The  association  advised  the  Moon's  chapel 
church,  of  which  said  minister  was  a  member,  to  call  forth- 
with a  council  of  judicious  ministers,  to  sit  with  them  in 
judgment  on  his  case.  Soon  after  the  adjournment  of  this 
meeting  the  church  at  Moon's  chapel  called  a  council, 
which  deposed  him  from  the  ministry,  and  advised  the 
church  to  excommunicate  him,  which  was  done  at  tb.3 
same  meeting. 

The  usage  of  Baptist  churches,  when  charges  are  brought 
against  a  minister  of  immoral  conduct  or  false  doctrine,  is 
first  to  call  a  council  of  ministers  and  investigate  the 
charges ;  if  he  is  acquitted,  that  is  the  end  of  the  proceed- 
ing, for  it  would  be  a  rare  case  in  which  the  church  would 
dissent  from  the  advice  of  the  council.     If  the  charges  are 


252  A-   HISTORY   OF   THE 

sustained,,  the  accused  minister  is  reprimanded,  gives  satis- 
faction,  and  is  fully  cleared  and  restored,  or  is  deposed  from 
the  ministry,  and  is  then,  and  not  until  then,  excommuni- 
cated from  the  church. 

Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  A.  Bright,  and  W.  Phillips,  were  ■ 
added  to  the  list  of  trustees  of  Mount  Vernon  Male  and 
Female  Seminary. 

The  Board  of  instruction  in  the  above  named  seminary 
was  K-  P.  Jones,  A.  M.,  principal  in  the  male  department ; 
C  Lane,  assistant.  Miss  V.  C.  Royster,  principal  in  the 
female   department;  Miss  Emma  Poe,  assistant;  Mrs.  R. 

P.  Jones,  music. 

The  following  ordained  preachers  belonged  to  tins  body 
at  this  time  :  Elders  William  Lineberry,  Levi  Andrews, 
Noah  Richardson,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  James  McDaniel, 
Samuel  Baldwin,  E.  F.  Beachem,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  Willis 
Co-gin,  J.  C.  Wilson,  George  W.  Purefoy,  B.  J.  Hack- 
ney, James  P.  Mason,  Job  Jacks,  and  Orren  Churchill. 
Licentiates  :  R.  A.  Patterson,  Stephen  Gilmore,  and  Allen 

Ellis. 

The  following  churches  were  represented : 

No.        Churches.-  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.        g|    | 

(David  Andrews ) 

,      ,      .     ,  Orano-e  <  D.  M.  Durham >      3     121 

1-  Antloch °ranae }  John  B.  Ward S 

(  Elder  J.  Jacks ) 

2-BrushCreek Randolph j 1 ,  T. .£££. . .. .. ^     3      58 

(Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert..  ) 
3-BearCreek Chatham j  £  B-RJht.  .. . ...  £  156 

f  W.  W.  Sears ) 

«.«->*- mo™ {iVBfc::: :■;  I"  139 

(  A.  J.  Lloyd ) 

-Bethel Orange }  £^d™  ;  1 1  »  '  [  \ 


'JO 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  253 


No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


K 


(  H.  Branson ) 

6.  Cedar  Falls Chatham <  J.  Winningham >    32    118 

(  H.  B.  Marsley ) 

(  W.  Bryan ) 

7.  Cool  Spring Moore 1  A.  W.  Jones >  22 

(  J.  J.  Gilmore ) 

(J.  Whitehead ) 

8.  Columbia Eandolph <j  J.  Teague >    18       66 

(  D.  V.  Furgerson \ 

(  P.  H.  McDade ) 

9.  Chapel  Hill Orange., ■?  Nash  Cheek V36    125 

/  W.  G.  Weaver ) 

(  R.  Webster ) 

10 .  Emmaus Chatham <  C.  Justice  >      3     123 

(  William  A.  Lineberry  ) 

i  Elder  N.  Richardson  1 

11 .  Friendship Moore -MV.  D.  Dowd }  41 

(  E.  Q.  Sowell ) 

(  Elder  Jas.  McDaniel  ) 

12.  Fayetteviile Cumberland.. . .  <  J.  M.  Beasley >    24    383 

(  James  F.  Marsh  ....  5 


13.   GumSpring Chatham ■>  A.  M.  Harwood }      9     113 


(Elder  J.  C.Wilson. 
'  A.  M.  Harwooi1 
J.  R.  Thomas. 


Daniel  Hackney. . .  .  ) 

14.  Love's  Creek. .. .     Chatham <  J.  Lambert >    33     104 

H.  Dorsett ) 

A.  J.  Riggsbee ) 

15.  Lystra Chatham {  S.  E.  Cole V      3       87 

Thomas  H.  Riggsbee  ) 

Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro..  ) 

16.  Mineral  Spring  . .     Chatham <j  R.  Lambert >  75 

J.  A.  Jones ) 

J.  Dowdy ) 

17.  May's  Chapel Chatham 1  J.  Gilmore >  119 

W.Burns ) 

M.  Jordan ) 

18.  Moon's  Chapel  . .     Randolph ^  T.  W.  Matthews  ....>  48 

Thomas  Marley ) 


i  Joshua  W.  Hackney  ) 

19.  Mount  Gilead ....     Chatham 1  William  Griffin I      1       51 

f  A.  Garner ) 

20.  Mount  Carmel.. ..     Orange Not  represented ... .  70 


H.  Kivit 

21 .  Mount  Zion Orange <J  S.  V.  Barker . . 

E.G.  Brothers. 


254  A   HISTORY   OF   THE 

No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  ^  §<     ~ 

C  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

22 .  Mount  Olive Chatham <  S.  Lewis V   14      63 

(  William  Glosson  . . .  ) 

(  G.  Davis i 

23 .  Mechanic's  Hill ..    Moore 1  L.  Stutts >  29 

(B.  P.  Person ) 

I  L.  Ellis ) 

24 .  Pleasant  Grove  . .     Chatham 1  J.  Dowdy >  53 

(  W.  H.  "Womble ) 

25.  Pittsborough Chatham Hasten  Poe 12 

I  J.  R.  Marsh ) 

26 .  Reave's  Chapel . .     Chatham <  J.  Rosser    >    11      76 

(  G.  Emmerson ) 

t  Ambrose  Eubanks. .  ) 

27.  Rock  Spring Chatham <  J.  G.  Dismukes  . . . .  >      1       53 


C.  B.  Poe. 


C  Elder  W.  Lineberry.  i 

28.  Rocky  River Chatham <  W.  Duncan >      7      59 

(  S.  White ) 

i  T.  McDaniel ) 

29.  Sandy  Creek. . . .     Randolph <  L.  York }  42 

(S.  S.  Siler ) 

I  W.  C.  Rogers ) 

30 .  Crane's  Creek .  . .     Moore <  H.  Rogers  >  10 

(  T.  Savage ) 

31.  Fall  Creek Chatham Xot  represented. 


219  2539 


In  1857,  this  body  met  at  Bear  Creek,  Chatham  county, 
N.  C,  on  the  2d  day  of  October.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Elder  William  Lineberry.  He  was 
elected  moderator.  Elder  John  Mitchel,  agent  for  the 
endowment  of  Wake  Forest  College,  and  Brethren  H.  F. 
Ivey  and  E.  A.  Poe  were  invited  to  and  accepted  seats  in 
the  association. 

Messengers  of  correspondence  were  present  from  the  fol- 
lowing associations  :  from  Kaleigh,  Elder  John  Mitchel 
and  Leroy  Mitchel ;  from  Flat  River,  Elder  B.  J.  Hack- 
ney and  C.  F.  Burroughs ;    from  Beulah,  Elder  C.  W. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  255 

Cheek  and  Elder  F.  M.  Jordan ;  from  Pee  Dee,  Brother 
Eli  Phillips. 

The  Baptist  church  at  Juniper  Spring  was  received  at 
this  meeting. 

On  Saturday,  Elders  Thomas  S.  Yarbro,  George  W. 
Purcfoy,  and  E.  Crutchfield,  were  invited  to  and  accepted 
seats.  Committees  were  appointed  upon  the  following 
subjects :  Finance,  Baptist  State  Convention,  church  let- 
ters, temperance,  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  periodi- 
cals, education,  and  Sabbath  schools. 

The  following  query  was  presented  by  Brother  P.  H. 
McDade :  "  Is  there  any  scripture  authority  or  example 
for  the  preaching  of  funerals  ?  If  any,  where  may  it  be 
found1?  If  none,  is  it  consistent  and  proper  for  Baptists 
to  encourage  it  ?" 

The  first  part  of  the  query  was  ansAvered  in  the  nega- 
tive, the  later  part  was  laid  on  the  table. 

The  circular  letter  for  this  year  was  written  by  Elder 
Thomas  S.  Yarbro. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations  :  to  Flat  River,  Elder  B.  J.  Hackney, 
Elder  Samuel  Baldwin,  Nash  Cheek,  and  P.  II.  McDade  ; 
to  Beulah,  Elder  George  "W.  Purefoy,  Elder  J.  C.  Wilson, 
H.  M.  C.  Stroud,  and  R.  S.  Andrews ;  to  Raleigh,  Elder 
E.  F.  Beachem,  Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro,  James  S.  Lasater, 
and  Joshua  TV.  Hackney ;  to  Liberty,  Elder  A.  J.  Gilbert, 
Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  H.  B.  Marley,  and  S.  White  ;  to 
Pee  Dee,  Elder  James  McDaniel,  Elder  N.  Richardson, 
W.  D.  Dowd,  and  John  Hutson. 

Elder  George  W.  Purefoy  was  requested  to  prepare  a 
centenary  sermon,  to  be  delivered  at  the  next  association 
that  being;  its  one  hundredth  annual  session. 


1 


256  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Elders  James  McDaniel,  Noah  Richardson,  and  George 
W.  Furefoy,  preached  on  the  Sabbath. 

Elders  McDaniel,  Purefoy,  Yarbro,  Wilson  and  Beach- 
em,  were  appointed  a  presbytery  to  meet  at  May's  Chapel, 
for  the  purpose  of  ordaining  brother  Stephen  Gilmore  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

On  the  5  th  Sabbath  in  November,  Elders  Thomas  S. 
Yarbro,  J.  C.  Wilson,  and  George  W.  Furefoy,  met  at 
May's  Chapel,  and  ordained  Brother  Stephen  Gilmore,  and 
delivered  to  him  ministerial  credentials. 

On  Sunday  the  public  collection,  from  the  whites, 
amounted  to  §60  00,  from  the  colored  people,  $5  00> 
which  was  divided  between  the  three  objects  of  the  Bap- 
tist State  Convention,  which  are,  Home  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, and  the  education  of  indigent  young  men  who  are 
preparing  for  the  ministry. 

Elder  John  C.  Wilson,  James  S.  Lasater,  and  William 
White,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  Elder 
George  W.  Furefoy  and  request  a  copy  of  his  sermon, 
preached  on  the  Sabbath,  for  publication. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  delegates  to  the 
Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C  :  Elder  James  McDan- 
iel, Thomas  L.  Johnson,  Elder  E.  F.  Beachem,  Elder  Levi 
Thorne,  H.  F.  Ivey,  Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro,  and  F.  H.  Mc- 
Dade. 

Elders  James  McDaniel  and  Enoch  Crutchfield  were 
appointed  trustees  of  Mount  Vernon  Seminary. 

The  Board  of  Itineracy  met  on  Monday.  An  executive 
committee  was  appointed  to  procure  one  or  more  mission- 
aries, as  soon  as  possible,  to  operate  in  the  bounds  of  this 
association,  especially  in  the  countiesof  Moore,  Cumber- 
land, and  Randolph.  This  committee  was  instructed  to 
require  of  the  itinerants,  to  furnish  themselves  with  our 
denaminational  and  other  religious  books,  for  circulation. 


R.  B.  Paschal, 

2.  Brush  Creek Randolph <(  R.  M.  Stinson }     2      54 

Owen  Welch .... 

Thomas  Womble 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  257 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.     Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.  Q- §<     -g 

(  David   Andrews . . . .  ) 

1.  Antioch Orange <  A.  P.  Stroud >    12     126 

(  JohnR.  Ward ) 

C  R.  B.  Paschal, ) 

.  2  R.  M.  Stinson } 

(  Owen  Welch ) 

i  Thomas  Womble  .  . .  ) 

3 .  Bear  Creek Chatham <  Orren  Andrew  s >  14G 

(  Elbert  Nail ) 

I  J.  T.  Ritter ) 

4.  Bethlehem Moore <  Benjamin  Phillips. . .  >      1     125 

(  Neill  Caddell ) 

I  A.  J.  Lloyd ) 

5.  Bethel Orange 1  Merritt  Cheek )■    30     120 

I  R.  S.  Andrews ) 

i  Stephen  Cox ) 

6.  Cedar  Palls Chatham <  Henry  Branson >      1     113 

(H.B.Marley ) 

(  W.  Bryan ) 

7 .  Cool  Spring Moore \  J.  J.  Gilmore >    25      48 

(  A.  Wicker ) 

(  John  Hutson ) 

8.  Columbia Randolph <  J.  J.  Johnson >      5       67 

(  James  Whitehead. ..  ) 

(H.  M.  C.  Stroud..  .  ) 

9.  ChapelHill Orange ^R.H.  Marsh >    16     145 

(P.  H.  McDade  .....) 

I  W.  C.  Rogers 3 

10.  Crane's  Creek. .  .     Moore <  S .  Savage >      1       12 

(  H .  Rogers 3 

(  Charles  Daffron ) 

11.  Emmaus Chatham <E    H.  Straughan. . .  >  123 

(  Wm .  A .  Lineberry .  J 

^  Elder  N".  Richardson  ) 

12.  Friendship Moore <W.  D.  Dowd V     3      36 

(  J .  R .  McLemore ...  5 

i  Elder  J   McDaniel..  ) 

13.  Fayetteville Cumberland.'". .  1  J.  F.  Marsh >     4     356 

(T.J.  Johnson ) 

i  Elder  J.  C.  Wilson.  ) 

14 .  Gum  Spring Chatham <  George  Moore >  109 

(  J.  S.  Lasater j 

12* 


258 


A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


No. 

Churches. 

Counties. 

Names  of  Delegates. 

3 

15. 

Juniper  Spring. . . 

(  George  Harwood. . .  ) 

,..  -?H.  B.   Thomas > 

(  A.  B.  Jones ) 

54 

16. 

Love's  Creek 

(  D.  Hackney ) 

. ..  1  William  Fitts > 

(  Mial  Womble ) 

102 

17 

(J.J.  Eiegsbee ) 

, .  <  A.  J.  Eiggsbee  . ...  > 
(  John  W.  Oldham...  5 

16 

101 

18. 

Mineral  Spring. . . 

Chatham 

(B.  P.   Jones ) 

, ..  <  A.  J.  Kivet [ 

C  W.  J.  Lambert ) 

6 

74 

19. 

May's  Chapel. . . . 

Chatham 

(  Elder  E.  P.  Beachem  ) 

.    .  1  William  White .          } 

(B.  A.  Mclver ) 

23 

136 

20. 

Moon's  Chapel  . . 

Chatham 

I  T.  W.  Matthews...  ) 

. . .  <  Maloy  Jordan > 

(  Thomas  Marley ) 

44 

21. 

Mount  Gilead. . . . 

Chatham 

(J.  W.  Hackney....  ) 

. .  <  Alfred  Garner > 

(  Marmaduke   Temple  ) 

17 

86 

22. 

Mount  C  arm  el .  . . 

5  James  Edwards  . . . .  ) 
•••  I  S.  T.  Lindsey $ 

38 

23. 

Mount  Zion 

Alamance 

(Elder  0.   Churchill.  ) 

...  ^H.  Kivet } 

(S.Y.  Barker ) 

19 

66 

24. 

Mount  Olive 

Chatham 

C  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 

^  W.  Ellington } 

(H..  P.Edwards  . . . .'  ) 

61 

25. 

Mechanic's  Hill. . 

(  B.  P.  Person 1 

. .  <  George  Davis > 

(  B.  Manis ) 

27 

26. 

Pleasant  Grove . . 

, . .     Not  represented 

53 

27. 

Pittsborough 

. .     Not  represented 

12 

28. 

Eeave's  Chapel. . 

(  E.  W.  Webster           ) 

..  {  W.H.Burke } 

(  J.  J.  Burke ) 

82 

29. 

Eock  Spring 

(  J.  G.  Dismukes ) 

■j  G.  W.  Dismukes  . . .  > 
(  Stephen  P.  Moore  . .  j 

51 

30. 

Eocky  Eiver 

I  Elder  W.  Lineberry.  ) 

. .  <  W.  Duncan > 

(  S.White ) 

42 

SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  259 


No.  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.        >J?     »- 

i  Zale  McDaniel ) 

31.  Sandy  Creek Randolph 2  S.  Stalev >      5       47 

(S.  S.  Siler ) 

(  Chesley   Jones ) 

32.  Fall  Creek Chatham ^  William  Stoke }■     4       19 

(J.  A.  Scott ) 

190  2G69 


In  1858,  the  one-hundreth  session  was  held  at  Love's 
Creek,  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  commencing  on  Friday, 
October  1st. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  John 
C.  Wilson. 

Elder  "William  Lineberry  was  chosen  moderator.  E. 
H.  Straughan  is  the  regular  clerk. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  in  attendance,  as  fol- 
lows :  from  the  Raleigh  Association,  Elder  M.  T.  Yates, 
William  Yates,  and  Asa  Wilson  ;  from  Beulah,  Elder  C. 
W.  Cheek",  T.  D.  Oldham,  and  J.  Moore ;  from  Pee  Dee, 
Elder  David  Wright. 

Elder  G.  W.  Furefoy  and  Elder  E  .  Crutchfield  were 
invited  to  and  accepted  seats  as  ministering  brethren. 

Corresponding  messengers  were  appointed  to  the  follow- 
ing associations :  to  Flat  Kiver,  Elders  G-.  W.  Purefoy 
and  Samuel  Baldwin,  and  Brethren  A.  J.  Riggsbee,  P. 
H.  McDade,  and  N.  Cheek ;  to  Beulah,  Elders  T.  S.  Yar- 
bro  and  E.  ^Crutchfield,  and  Brethren  William  White,  E. 
H.  Straughan,  and  Alvis  Durham ;  to  Liberty,  Elders 
N.  Bichardson  and  O.  Churchill,  and  Brethren  H.  B. 
Marley,  H.  Kivit,  and  Thomas  Matthews  ;  to  Raleigh, 
Elders  Stephen  Gilmore,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  and  William 
Lineberry,  and  Brethren  J.  S.  Lasater,  W.  A.  Lindsey, 
and  William  Burns ;  to  Pee  Dee,  Elders  James  McDaniel 


260  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  J.  C.  Wilson,  and  Brethren  T.  J.  Johnson,  W.  D- 
Dowd,  and  A.  J.  Emerson. 

A  newly  constituted  church,  at  Carthage,  Moore  county, 
was  received  into  the  association. 

Committees  were  appointed  on  finance,  church  letters, 
Baptist  State  Convention,  temperance,  foreign  and  do- 
mestic missions,  periodicals,  education  and  sabbath 
schools. 

The  circular  letter  was  written  by  Brother  A.  P.  Stroud. 

It  was  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  association  be 
tendered  to  Elder  G-.  W.  Purefoy,  for  publishing  his  ser- 
mon, preached  before  this  association  last  year,  and  that 
we  feel  it  an  imperative  duty,  as  well  as  a  privilege,  to  use 
our  best  efforts  to  circulate  it. 

The  Board  of  Itineracy  made  a  verbal  report,  through 
their  chairman,  W.  D.  Dodd. 

Elders  Levi  Thorne,  O.  Churchill,  G.  W.  Purefoy, 
William  Lineberry,  Samuel  Baldwin,  and  Levi  Andrews, 
were  appointed  a  presbytery,  to  attend  at  Bethel  Church, 
to  ordain  Brother  Manley  D.  Andrews  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  This  service  was  performed  on  the  first 
Sabbath  in  November. 

Elder  Levi  Thorne  was  appointed  to  write  a  circular 
letter,  for  next  year,  in  defence  of  restricted  communion. 

The  following  resolutions,  offered  by  Elder  Gr.  W.  Pure- 
foy, were  unanimously  adopted : 

1.  "Resolved,  That  this  association  recommend  to  each 
of  its  churches,  to  come  together  for  worship  on  each 
Lord's  day,  whether  they  have  preaching  or  not.  When 
they  have  no  minister  present,  spend  one  hour  in  singing, 
prayer  and  exhortation." 

2.  "  Resolved,  also,  That,  in  our  opinion,  the  cause  of 
Sabbath  schools,  and  the  piety  of  our  brethren  will  be 
promoted  thereby,  ministerial  gifts  brought  out  and  en- 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  261 

couraged,  and  incalculable  good  will  result  to  the  rising 
generation." 

It  is  the  duty  of  all  churches  to  come  together  on  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  for  worship.  The  churches  did  this 
in  the  days  of  the  apostles.  If  we  would  imitate  their 
example,  great  good  would  result  from  it. 

On  Sabbath,  the  largest  number  of  people  were  in 
attendance  that  the  writer  ever  saw  assembled  for  worship. 
Elder  M.  T.  Yates,  returned  missionary  from  China,  preach- 
ed at  10  o'clock  ;  Elder  James  McDaniel  preached  the 
missionary  sermon  at  11  o'clock;  Elder  G.  W.  Purefoy 
preached  the  centenary  sermon  at  3  o'clock ;  and  Elder 
N.  Eichardson  preached  at  night. 

On  Monday,  the  committees  that  were  appointed  on 
Saturday,  reported. 

The  churches  were  requested  to  report,  in  their  annual 
letters  to  the  association,  the  amount  which  they  contrib- 
ute to  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  in  order  that  the  min- 
utes of  the  association  may  show  the  amount  contributed 
for  benevolent  institutions. 

The  churches  were  requested  to  send  up  funds  to  the 
next  annual  meeting,  to  erect  a  suitable  tombstone  in 
memoiy  of  Elder  Shubal  Stearns,  who  was,  under  God, 
the  honored  instrument  in  planting  this  association. 

The  Trustees  of  Mount  Vernon  Seminary  were  re- 
spectfully requested  to  make  an  annual  report  of  the  state, 
progress,  and  prospects  of  the  seminary. 

A  recommendation  of  the  "  Sunday-school  Question 
Book,"  by  Elder  Dayton,  was  unanimously  concurred  in. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  requesting  Brother  P.  H. 
McDade  to  visit  all  the  churches  of  this  association,  and 
address  them  on  the  subject  of  Sabbath-schools. 

The  association  passed  a  "  hearty  vote  of  thanks  to  the 


262  A    HISTORY  OP   THE 

church  and  friends  of  the  vicinity,  for  the  abundant 
hospitality  afforded  the  very  large  delegation  and  attend- 
ants on  this  session,"  which  was  never  more  deserving 
than  on  this  occasion. 

The  collection  for  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  on 
Sabbath,  amounted  to  $135. 

On  Monday,  the  association  made  Elders  William  Line- 
berry  and  M.  T.  Yates,  life  members  of  the  B.  S.  Con- 
vention, and  appointed  eight  other  delegates. 
^The  association  resolved  to  have  the  centenary  sermon, 
delivered  by  Elder  G.  W.  Purefoy,  published,  and  referred 
its  publication  to  a  committee,  consisting  of  Elders  Levi 
Thome  and  G.  W.  Purefoy,  and  Brother  P.  H.  McDade. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  constitution  for 
a  Sabbath- school  Society,  to  be  submitted  to  the  next 
association. 

On  Monday  evening,  at  about  ten  o'clock,  the  associa- 
tion closed  its  one  hundreth  annual  session,  after  a  har- 
monious and  profitable  meeting,  The  meeting  was  kept 
up  for  a  number  of  days,  and  many  souls  were  converted. 

The  following  churches  were  represented  : 

No.      Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates.         >>  «     ■§ 

A.  P.  Stroud 

1 .  Antioch Orange <?  Alvis  Durham )■   16     137 


John  R.  Ward . 


R.  B.  Paschal  .... 

Brush  Creek Randolph <^  Orren  Welch S-      2       55 

R.  T.  D.  P'ooshee., 

Solomon  Ellis 

Bear  Creek Chatham <^  Larkin  Lloyd ^     1     145 

Terrel  Brooks 

P.  Caddie 

Bethlehem Moore <  R.  W.  Barrett <>    14     124 

S.P.Phillips 

N.  C.  Cates 

Bethel Orange 1  R.  S.  Andrews }>  1 1  ? 

Atlas  J.  Lloyd .... 


SANDY    CREEK     BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  263 


No.     ■  Churches.  Counties.  Names  of  Delegates. 


<^ 


i  S.  L.  Cox ) 

6.  Cedar  Falls Chatham 1  P.  M.  Baldwin >      2     107 

I  H.  B.  Marly ) 

I  L.  Harneday ) 

7.  Cool  Spring Moore <  J.  J.  Gilmore >      4       47 

(  J.  A.  Phillips ) 

i  Jas.  Whitehead ) 

S.Columbia Randolph ^  J.  G.  Marsh }■  58 

(J.  E.  Teague ) 

C  P.  H.  McDade ) 

9.  Chapel  Hill Orange ^  W.  J.  Hedden V    19     162 

(  Xash  Cheek ) 

[W.  C.Eogers ) 

10 .  Crane's  Creek . .  .     Moore <  Hiram  Rogers >      1       14 

^T.  Savage ) 

i  C.  Justice i 

11 .  Emmaus Chatham <  R.  Webstes >  119 

(  Brantly  Clark ) 

i  E.  Q.  Sowell ) 

12.  Friendship Moore {  B.  H.  Short }  36 

(  Jas.  C.Dowd ) 

i  Elder  Jas.  McDaniel  i 

13.  Fayetteville Cumberland.. ..  1  T.  J.  Johnson >    40     402 

(  Jas.  F.  Marsh ) 

(Elder  J.  C.  Wilson..  ) 

14.  Gum  Spring Chatham •?  George  Moore >     5     107 

(  James  S.  Lasater. . .  5 

15 .  Juniper  Spring. . .     Harnet {  H  B  Thomas'1 }   10       55 

C  Daniel  Hackney.  •  .  •  ) 

16.  Love's  Creek Chatham <  J.  J.  Hackney >      1       98 

I  Miles  Womble ) 


I  A.  J.  Riggsbee ) 

17.  Lystra Chatham <  Allen  Ellis S  94 

(  James  L.  Dodd j 

I  Elder  T.  S.  Yarbro. .  ) 

18 .  Mineral  Spring. . .     Orange <  R.  P.  Jones >     1       72 

(  A.  J.  Emerson ) 

(Elder  S.  Gilmore.  ..  ) 

1 9 .  May's  Chapel Orange <  William  White >  124 

(  W.  A.  Lindsey ) 

(  T.  W.  Matthews ....  ) 

20.  Moon's  Chapel.. .     Chatham <  M.  Edwards >      5      43 

(G.  C.  Underwood...  ) 


264 


A    HISTORY     OF    THE 


No. 

Churches. 

Counties. 

Names  of  Delegates- 

s 

£ 

21. 

Mount  Gilead 

(  J.  W.  Hackney } 

..-?M.   Temple V 

(  William  Griffin ) 

70 

22. 

Mount  Carmel . . . 

i  James  Edwards 1 

. .  <  James  M.  Cheek. . . .  > 
(  S.  T.  Lindsey             S 

2 

35 

?1 

f.  Elder  0.  Churchhill.  1 
. .  <?H.  Kivit S 

4R 

(  D.  Teague ) 

24. 

C  Elder  Levi  Andrews  ) 
..  1  W:  Ellington S 

25. 

Mechanic's  Hill. . 

. .     L.  C.  Stutts 

27 

26. 

Pleasant  Grove. . 

C  L.  M.  Stone ) 

. .  <  Long  Burgess > 

t  Thomas  W.  Womble  ) 

34 

27. 

Chatham 

. .     John  Thompson 

14 

28. 

Eeeve's  Chapel. . 

(  J.  R.  Marsh ) 

..  {  B.  N.  "Watson S 

(J.  Temple ) 

2 

83 

29. 

I  S.  P.Moore ) 

. .  <  Ambrose  Eubanks . .  ! 
(  J.  G.  Dismukes 3 

48 

30. 

Eocky  River. . .  . 

C  Elder  W.  Lineberry.  , 

. ..  -JD.  F.  Teague [ 

(  William  Duncan.. . .  ' 

42 

Sandy-Creek  . . . 

(S.  S.  Siler J 

°,1 

. ..  ■>  L.York 

47 

(  S.  Staley ) 

Fall  Creek 

>     12 

m 

. ..  <  J.  A.  Scott 

9  7 

( William  Stokes          ' 

33 

Moore 

C  Names  of  delegates 
. . .  <       not  given  in  the 

20 

101  2666 

SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION'.  265 

Ordained  ministers  belonging  to  this  association  :  Elders 
William  Lineberry,  Noah  Richardson,  Levi  Andrews, 
John  C.  "Wilson,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  Willis  Coggins,  Stephen 
Gllmore,  Thomas  S.  Tarbro,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  Orren 
Churchill,  Levi  Thorne,  George  W.  Purefoy,  James 
McDaniel,  Manly  D.  Andrews,  and  Samuel  Baldwin. 

Licentiates :  Allen  Ellis,  P.  M.  Baldwin,  and  R.  A. 
Patterson, 


266  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  CONCISE  HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCHES  BELONGING  TO  THE  SANDY 
CREEK  ASSOCIATION. 

MOUNT    CAEMEL 

Is  located  on  Morgan's  Creek,  in  Orange  County,  N.  C, 
about  two  miles  southwest  from  Chapel  Hill.  This  church 
was  constituted  in  a.  d.  1803,  at  Prichard's  M.  H.,  a  few 
miles  south  of  its  present  location. 

Of  its  early  history  but  little  is  now  known.  In  June, 
1816,  a  few  of  the  members  met  at  Mount  Carmel  M.  H., 
and  organized  for  business.  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel  was  with 
them  at  this  meeting. 

In  1817,  this  church  was  represented  in  the  General 
Meeting  of  Correspondence  for  Missions. 

In  1818,  Abner  W.  Clopton,  of  Virginia,  a  member  of 
this  church,  who  was  principal  o£  the  Preparatory  School 
at  Chapel  Hill,  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry  by  Elders  George  Roberts  and  David  Newlin. 

In  1819,  Elder  Clopton  tendered  his  resignation  as 
clerk  of  the  church,  and  James  G.  Hall,  who  was  then  a 
student  at  Chapel  Hill,  and  afterward  became  a  useful 
minister,  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  church. 


SAXDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  267 

In  1819,  Iversou  L.  Brooks,  who  was  then  a  student  at 
Chapel  Hill,  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel.  He  is 
now  a  prominent  minister  in  South  Carolina. 

In  1823,  this  church  organized  an  arm  at  Mount 
Gilead,  which  was  organized  into  a  church  in  1821. 
George  Oldham  and  Thomas  D.  Oldham  were  the  first 
deacons  after  the  church  moved  to  Mount  Carmel  M.  H. 

Thomas  "Weaver  was  licensed  to  preach  by  this  church 
in  May,  1818,  and  was  ordained  by  Elders  Thomas  Free- 
man and  Isaac  Kirby,  in  1826.  Previous  to  1826,  this 
church  belonged  to  the  Flat  River  Association.  Since 
then  it  has  belonged  to  the  Sandy  Creek  Association. 

In  May,  1827,  "William  H.  Merritt,  at  the  call  of  the 
church,  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry 
by  Elders  James  Ferrell  and  Thomas  Freeman. 

In  1852  or  '53,  a  large  number  of  members  were  dis- 
missed by  letter,  to  organize  a  new  church  at  Lystra  M.  H., 
by  which  their  number  was  very  considerably  reduced. 

In  1854,  Mount  Carmel  formed  an  arm  for  business  in 
Chapel  Hill,  which  was  soon  constituted  into  a  church. 
Mount  Carmel  church,  though  now  much  reduced  in  num- 
bers, is  the  mother   of  three  flourishing  churches. 

Dr.  William  Hooper  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship 
of  this  church  in  1832. 

The  following  ministers  have  served  this  church  as  pas- 
tors :  E.  T.  Daniel,  William  P.  Worrel,  P.  W.  Dowd, 
William  Hooper,  R.  McNabb,  George  W.  Purefoy,  Enoch 
Crutchfield,  B.  J.  Hackney,  and  M.  D.  Andrews. 

This  church  has  enjoyed  several  interesting  revivals  of 
religion.     Its  present  number  of  members  is  thirty-five. 


288  A   HISTORY  OF   THE 


REAVE'S    CHAPEL 


This  church  is  situated  on  Tick  Creek,  in  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.  It  was  constituted  on  the  ICth  of  October, 
1832,  by  Elders  William  H.  Merritt  and  Thomas  D.  Arm- 
strong, with  about  sixty  members,  dismissed  mainly  from 
the  Bear  Creek  church.  Its  pastors  have  been  Elder 
Noah  Richardson,  for  the  first  fifteen  years,  Elder  William 
Lineberry  for  five  years.  Elder  Thomas  Yarbro  is  its 
present  pastor. 

This  church  enjoyed  extensive  revivals  in  1832  and  '34, 
and  also  in  1843.  Brother  Warren  Brooks  was  licensed 
to  preach  by  this  church.  Deaths,  removals,  and  church 
difficulties,  have  diminished  the  strength  of  this  church, 
but  it  still  has  some  influential  and  working  members.  It 
has  a  commodious  house  of  worship,  forty  by  sixty  feet. 

In  1833,  the  Baptist  ■  State  Convention  held  its  annual 
session  with  this  church. 

ANTIOCH. 

This  is  a  continuation  of  the  Haw  River  Mountain 
church,  which  was  constituted  a.  d.  1806,  by  Elders 
Jesse  Buckner,  George  Pope,  and  Thomas  Cates.  Their 
meetings  were  held  at  Haw  River  Mountain  until  1817  ; 
at  Flint  Hill  from  that  time  until  1830.  It  descended 
from  the  Cane  Creek  church. 

In  1830,  this  church  moved  to  Antioch  M.  H.  Elder 
Mark  Andrews  was  its  first  settled  pastor,  Elder  H.  Har- 
mon was  his  successor.  Since  then  the  following  minis- 
ters have  served  it,  namely :  Elders  William  H.  Merritt, 
Levi  Andrews,  George  W.  Purefoy,  William  Jones,  Wil- 
liam Lineberry,  Samuel  Baldwin,  B.  J.  Hackney,  and 
Orren  Churchill. 


SANDY   CSEEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.-  269 

The  deacons  have  been  Stephen  Justice,  William  L. 
Durham,  Lysius  Durham,  Isaac  Durham,  Lindsey  Ed- 
wards, Samuel  Baldwin,  David  L.  Durham,  John  Quacken- 
bush,  H.  M.  C.  Stroud,  Alvis  Durham,  and  A.  P.  Stroud. 

The  clerks  have  been  William  L.  Durham,  Thomas 
Workman,  Isaac  Durham,  Lindsey  Edwards,  Eli  Cheek, 
Samuel  Baldwin,  H.  M.  C.  Stroud,  and  D.  M.  Durham. 

In  1819,  Brother  George  Patterson  was  licensed  to 
preach  by  this  church.  Brother  Samuel  Baldwin  was 
licensed  to  preach  in  1841. 

A  number  of  camp-meetings  have  been  held  by  this 
church,  which  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  hundreds  of 
souls.  In  1839,  a  camp-meeting  lasted  nine  days,  at  which 
time  about  one  hundred  professed  conversion,  the  most  of 
which  made  useful  members. 

MOUNT    GILEAD. 

This  church  is  situated  near  Hackney's  X  Roads,  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C,  about  six  miles  east  of  Pitts= 
borough.  It  was  formed  mainly  by  members  that  were 
dismissed  for  that  purpose  by  the  church  at  Mount  Car- 
mel.  It  was  constituted  in  June,  1824.  Elder  William 
Farthing,  of  the  Flat  River  Association,  was  mainly  the 
instrument  in  building  up  this  church.  Elder  Isaac  Kirby, 
a  member  of  this  church,  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  in  July,  1824. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  have  been  Elders  Isaac  Kirby, 
Thomas  D.  Armstrong,  William  Dupree,  Levi  Andrews, 
James  Dennis,  Malthus  D.  Freeman,  George  W.  Purefoy, 
P.  W.  Dowd,  William  Lineberry,  Jesse  Howel,  and  John 
C  Wilson. 

The  deacons  of  this  church  have  been  Allen  Temple, 
Mark  Bynum,  Willie  Kirbey,  John  Hammock,  William 
Griffin,  A.  P.  Stroud,  and  Alfred  Garner. 


270  A   HISTOET   OP   THE 

The  clerks  of  the  church  have  been  Allen  Temple,  Mark 
Bynum,  Albert  G.  Hinton,  and  Joshua  W.  Hackney. 

This  church  has  enjoyed  a  number  of  revivals,  at  their 
camp  and  other  meetings,  and  has  had  but  few  persona* 
difficulties,  and  has  at  all  times  manifested  commendable 
liberality  in  supporting  protracted,  camp,  and  associational 
meetings. 

MOON'S    CHAPEL. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  near  Mar- 
ley's  Mills.  It  was  constituted  on  the  18th  day  of  June, 
a.  d.  1849,  by  Elders  William  Lineberry  and  William  C. 
Patterson. 

Its  pastors  have  been  Elders  William  C.  Patterson,  Job 
Jacks,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  and  William 
Lineberry. 

The  deacons  of  this  church  are  Thomas  W.  Matthews, 
and  Thomas  Marley. 

The  .clerks  have  been  L.  A.  Hutson  and  Thos.  Marley. 

Elder  William  C.  Patterson,  and  Brother  L.  A.  Hutson, 
Avere  the  ministers  that  were  chiefly  instrumental  in  estab- 
lishing this  church.  They  have  a  large  meeting-house,  for 
which  they  are  very  much  indebted  to  the  liberality  of  Mr. 
Moon,  hence  it  is  called  Moon's  chapel.  The  house  was 
built  some  years  before  the  church  was  organized. 

CEDAR   FALLS. 

This  church  is  located  in  Randolph  county,  N.  C-,  at 
the  Cedar  Falls  Cotton  Factory,  on  Deep  River.  It  was 
constituted  in  September,  1844,  by  Elders  William  Line- 
berry and  Enoch  Crutchfield. 

The  pastors  have  been  Elders  William  Lineberry,  Eli 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  271 

Phillips,  Noah  Richardson,  A.  L.  Stough,  and  Orren 
Churchill. 

The  clerks  of  the  church  have  been  James  F.  Marsh, 
William  P.  Fox,  and  H.  B.  Marley. 

Brother  Moses  Baldwin  was  licensed  to  preach  by  this 
church  on  the  10th  of  October,  1849.  Brother  Pinckney 
M.  Baldwin  is  at  present  a  licensed  minister  of  this  church. 
This  church  has  enjoyed  several  interesting  revivals  of  re- 
ligion. 

MAY'S    CHAPE  L. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  eight  miles 
southeast  from  Pittsborough.  It  has  a  large  and  com- 
modious house  of  worship.  It  was  constituted  in  a.  d. 
1802,  by  Elders  George  Pope,  William  Brantly  (of  Deep 
River),  and  William  Angel.  It  was  at  first  called  George's 
Creek. 

The  following  ministers  have  served  this  church  as 
pastors  in  the  order  in  which  their  names  appear  : 

Elders  George  Pope,  William  Brantly  (of  D.  R.), 
Hezekiah  Harman,  Eli  Phillips,  Thomas  D.  Armstrong, 
James  McDaniel,  P.  W.  Dowd,  William  Lineberry,  E.  F. 
Beachem,  and  Stephen  Gilmore. 

The  deacons  of  this  church  have  been  :  Thomas  Wad- 
dill,  James  Burns,  Cato  Riddle,  Thomas  Bea],  John  May, 
John  Gilmore,  William  White,  William  A.  Lindsey,  and 
R.  A.  Mclver. 

The  clerks  of  this  church  have  been  :  Thomas  Waddill, 
John  Burns,  William  Burns,  Sr.,  William  T.  Burns,  and 
Jordan  Tyser. 

This  church  has  been,  and  still  is,  composed  of  an  excel- 
lent membership.     The  Baptist  State  Convention  of  N.  C. 


272  A   HISTORY   OT   THE 

met  with  this  church  some  years  ago,  and  was  well  sus» 
tained. 

This  church  has  been  blessed  with  several  extensive  re» 
vivals  of  religion. 

Elders  William  Brantly,  (of  D.  R),  Charles  Fuddle, 
and  William  T.  Brantly,  D.  D.,  and  also  the  present 
pastor,  Stephen  G-ilmore,  held,  in  early  life,  their  member- 
ship with  this  church. 

CEASE'S    C  REEK. 

This  church  is  located  in  Moore  county.  It  was  con- 
stituted on  the  fourth  Sabbath  in  July,  1854,  by  Elders 
William  Lineberry  and  A.  L.  Stough. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  have  been  :  Elders  William 
Lineberry,  David  S.  Williams,  E.  F.  Beachem,  and 
Stephen  Gilmore.  The  deacons  are  Thomas  Matthews 
and  W.  C.  Rogers. 

The  clerks  have  been  Thomas  Matthews  and  Hiram 
Rogers. 

This  young  church  has  to  struggle  against  the  strong- 
holds of  Presbyterianism.  It  is  composed  of  but  few 
members;  they  are,  however,  "good  and  true."  They  are 
but  a  handful,  while  a  host  is  encamped  against  them. 
May  their  cords  be  lengthened  and  their  stakes  strengthened. 

FAYETTEVILLE. 

This  church  is  located  in  the  town  of  Fayetteville, 
Cumberland  county,  N.  C,  and  was  constituted  on  the 
25th  day  of  November,  a.  r>.  1837,  by  Elders  James 
McDaniel  and  David  S.  Williams,  with  twenty-nine  mem- 
bers, eleven  males  and  eighteen  females,  all  whites.     Elder 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  273 

McDaniel  was  chosen  pastor,  and  continued  the  pastorate 
until  about  184.4,  when  he  resigned,  leaving  a  membership 
of  more  than  three  hundred.  Elder  W.  L.  Hartson  was 
their  next  pastor.  Since  then  Elders  Davis,  J.  J.  Brant- 
ly,  and  N.  A.  Purefoy,  served  them  as  pastors. 

In  1852,  Elder  McDaniel  was  recalled  to  the  pastorate, 
which  he  now  holds.  Since  his  return,  the  church  has 
been  blessed  with  a  revival,  and  now  numbers  about  four 
hundred  members. 

Two  promising  young  ministers  have  been  sent  out  by 
this  church  :  Elder  James  S.  Minis,  who  filled  the  chair 
of  theology  in  the  Furman  University  of  S.  C.  with  great 
ability  until  his  death,  and  Bro.  H.  F.  Ivey,  Avho  is  now 
pursuing  a  collegiate  course  at  Wake  Forest  College. 
This  church  has  never  permitted  any  one  to  hold  member- 
ship with  her  and  traffic  in  ardent  spirits.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  that  this  cannot  be  said  of  all  Baptist  churches. 
This  church  has  an  interesting  Sabbath  school,  is  ready 
to  every  good  word  and  work,  and  is  liberal  in  her  dona- 
tions for  the  cause  of  missions,  &c.  This  church  united 
with  the  Sandy  Creek  Association  in  1855. 

COOL    STRING. 

This  church  is  situated  in  Moore  county,  N.  C. ,  and  was 
constituted  in  a.  d.  1848,  by  Elders  Enoch  Crutchfield  and 
William  C,  Patterson.  The  pastors  have  been :  Elders 
William  C.  Patterson,  Noah  Richardson,  William  Line- 
berry,  E.  F.  Beachem,  Thomas  S.  Yarbro,  and  Stephen 
Gilmore.  The  deacons  have  been :  A.  W.  Jones,  James 
D.  Henly,  E.  S.  Mclver,  and  Lewis  Hornada.  Brethren 
William  Bryan,  D.  C.  jVlurcheson,  and  D.  O.  Bryan, 
have  been  the  church  clerks. 

13 


274  A    HISTOEY    OF    THE 

This  church  united  with  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation in  1855. 

At  its  constitution,  it  numhered  only  three  male  and 
four  female  members.  The  brethren  were :  W.  Bryan, 
J.  J.  Gilmore,  and  Hasten  Gilmore.  The  sisters  were  : 
Nancy  Bryan,  Mary  A.  Bryan,  Phebe  Gilmore,  and  Fanny 
Gilmore.  They  were  all  formerly  members  of  the  church 
at  May's  Chapel. 

BEAR    CREEK. 

This  church  is  located  on  Bear  Creek,  in  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.  From  1785  to  1787  they  held  meetings  as 
an  arm  of  some  other  church,  and  met  for  worship  at 
Powel's  M.  H.,  Bear  Creek,  Lick  Creek,  and  occasionally 
at  private  houses.  They  were  constituted  into  a  church 
in  1787.  Elder  Sherwood  White  was  their  first  pastor. 
In  1790,  James  Younges,  a  licentiate,  was  received  by 
letter  from  Abbott's  Creek  church.  White  and  Younges 
were  both  excluded  for  drunkenness  in  1801.  White  was 
restored,  but  excluded  again  in  1803,  after  having  served 
the  church  as  pastor  for  about  sixteen  years.  A  Brother 
Tilman  was  the  first  deacon. 

In  1789,  the  church  refused  to  receive  a  Mrs.  White, 
who  had  been  baptized  by  Pitman  Amercom,  who  was  an 
excommunicated  ^minister,  saying,  "  We  will  neither  re- 
ceive him  nor  his  works."  John  Andrews  was  appointed 
clerk  in  1795. 

In  1796,  this  church  decided  that  it  was  wrong  for 
a  church  member  to  retail  spirits  at  a  public  company. 

John  Record  was  ordained  a  deacon  in  1797.  In  1803 
he  resigned  his  deaconship,  and  became  "  a  mouth  for 
the  church."     About  the  same  time  Brother  Hart,  Brother 


SANDY   CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  275 

Thomas,  James  Beck,  and  John  Hunter,  were  licensed  to 
pi*eaeh. 

In  1804,  the  church  agreed  that  each  male  member 
should  pay  $1  06  a  year /or  church  expenses.  Brethren 
William  Brantly  and  John  Bray  were  appointed  deacons 
in  1805.  Ebenezer  Elliott  -was  appointed  a  deacon.  In 
1807,  Samuel  Elliott  was  chosen  clerk.  The  church  wa9 
served  as  pastor  from  1803  to  1808  or  1810  by  Elders 
John  Record,  John  Hunter,  and  Sion  Record. 

In  1809,  John  Bray  was  appointed  deacon,  and  served 
until  1820.  In  1818  Zacheus  Boroughs  was  appointed 
clerk.  From  1819  to  1832,  Elder  Hezekiah  Harman  was 
their  pastor.  In  1819,  this  church,  at  the  request  of 
Thomas  D.  Mason,  a  member,  organized  an  arm  of  the 
church  at  Tick  Creek.  During  the  ministry  of  Elder  Har- 
man he  preached  alternately  at  Bear  Creek  and  at  Tick 
Creek.  His  labors  were  blessed  at  both  places.  In  1824, 
at  the  request  of  the  pastor,  Elder  Harman,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  attend  a  convention  held  at  Sandy  Creek 
M.  H.,  on  the  fourth  Lord's  Day  in  March,  for  consult- 
ing about  the  missionary  cause.  In  1820,  Zacheus  Bor- 
oughs was  appointed  deacon.  Shadrack  Weaver  was  a 
deacon  of  the  church  at  the  same  time.  In  1820,  Stephen 
White  was  appointed  clerk.  In  1825,  Samuel  Dowd  and 
Nathan  McManus  were  appointed  deacons.  John  Watson 
was  appointed  deacon  in  1832.  In  1828,  Nathaniel  G. 
Smith  was  appointed  clerk.  In  1831,  Peter  P.  Smith  was 
appointed  clerk. 

Elder  William  Merritt  was  pastor  from  1833  to  1836. 
Under  his  ministry  the  church  was  very  much  revived,  and 
quite  a  number  were  added  by  baptism.  About  this  time 
they  built  a  large  meeting-house,  through  Elder  Merritt's 
influence,  he  being  a  large  subscriber.  During  Elder  Mer- 
ritt's pastorate,  A.  J.  Gilbert,  Willis   Coggin,  and  Aaron 


276  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

Womble,    were  licensed  to  preach,   and  were  ordained  in 

1839,  by  Elders  Eli  Phillips  and  Artemas  Shattuck. 
John  Dowd  and  John  Nail  were  appointed  deacons  in 
1833.  A.  J.  Gilbert  was  appointed  clerk  in  1833.  El- 
der Jesse  Sowel  was  their  pastor  in  1836.  Elder  Eli 
Phillips  was  their  pastor  from  1836  to  1844.  Under  his 
ministry  the  church  kept  in  a  prosperous  condition.     In 

1840,  James  Boroughs  was  appointed  clerk.  Elder  Noah 
Richardson  was  their  pastor  from  1844  to  1852.  The 
church  prospered  greatly  under  his  ministerial  services. 
In  1844,  Thomas  Womble  was  appointed  clerk.  In  1845, 
Solomon  Ellis  and  Thomas  Womble  were  appointed  dea- 
cons. In  1847,  A.  B.  Bright  was  appointed  clerk.  Elder 
Job  Jacks  was  their  pastor  in  1852.  During  this  year 
there  was  a  revival,  and  several  were  added  to  the  church. 
In  1853,  Elder  Noah  Richardson  became  their  pastor,  and 
continues  to  the  present  time,  (1859).  His  labors  have- 
been  much  blessed,  and  the  church  considerably  increased 
in  numbers.  His  congregations  are  very  large.  In  1853, 
Larkin  Lloyd  was  appointed  clerk.  In  1858,  N.  F.  Phil- 
lips was  appointed  clerk.  Willis  Phillips  was  appointed 
a  deacon  in  1836. 

This  church  was  constituted  seventy-two  years  ago  ; 
out  of  its  fold  two  generations  of  Christians  have  gone  to 
their  everlasting  rest.     May  it  prosper  to  the  end  of  time. 

MINERAL    SPRING. 

This  church  is  located  at  the  Mount  Vernon  Springs,  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C.  It  was  constituted  in  June,  1835, 
by  Elders  William  H.  Merritt  and  Thomas  Weaver,  with 
nine  members  from  Bear  Creek  church  and  twenty-nine 
members  from  Reave's  Chapel.  Samuel  Dowd,  Warren 
Brooks,  and  William   Culberson   were  the  first  deacons. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  277 

The  pastors  have  been  Elders  William  H.  Merritt,  Enoch 
Crutchfield,  P.  W.  Dowd,  Wm.  C.  Patterson,  and  Wm. 
Lineberry.  This  church  has  enjoyed  several  revivals ; 
thirty  members  were  added  in  1849,  under  the  minis- 
try of  Elder  W.  C.  Patterson.  Warren  Brooks  was 
licensed  to  preach  in  November,  1837,  and  ordained  in 
December,  1838,  by  Elders  Noah  Richardson,  Robert  Mc- 
Nabb,  and  Enoch  Crutchfield.  Brother  James  Crutchfield 
was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  in  March,  1841. 

This  church  has  an  excellent  meeting-house,  forty  by 
sixty  feet.  Elder  Merritt,  who  was  chiefly  instrumental 
in  building  up  this  church,  was  a  large  subscriber  for  its 
building.  This  is  a  very  desirable  location  for  a  church. 
The  associational  schools,  male  and  female,  are  located  at 
this  place. 

Brother  Andrew  J.  Emerson,  a  graduate  of  W.  F.  col- 
lege, has  lately  become  a  member  of  this  church,  and  bids 
fair  to  make  a  useful  minister  of  the  gospel.  *  He  has  re- 
cently been  appointed  corresponding  secretary  and  travel- 
ling agent  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  North  Caro- 
lina. 

EMMAUS. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  seven 
miles  west  from  Pittsborough.  Elder  William  H.  Merritt 
was  mainly  instrumental  in  building  this  church.  His  la- 
bors at  this  place  were  blessed  with  a  revival  in  1832, 
which  resulted  in  the  constitution  of  the  church  in  July, 
1833,  with  thirty  members,  by  Elders  W.  H.  Merritt 
William  Hooper,   and  Thomas  Weaver. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  have  been  Elders  William 
H.  Merritt,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  Thomas  Weaver,  William 
Dupree,  Warren  Brooks,  and  William  Lineberry, 


278  A  HISTORY    OF   THE 

The  deacons  have  been  Bichard  Webster,  Stephen 
Moore,  Clabom  Justice,  E.  H.  Straughan,  and  Richard 
Webster,  Jr. 

The  clerks  of  this  church  have  been  Stephen  Moore  and 
Claborn  Justice. 

This  church  has  heldanurnber  of  camp-meetings,  which 
resulted  in  good.  It  is  composed  of  an  excellent  member- 
ship.    Eock  Spring  is  its  mother  church. 

ROCK.  SPRING. 

This  church  is  located  two  miles  north  of  Pittsborough, 
in  Chatham  county,  N.  C.  It  was  known  probably  by 
the  name  of  "  the  Haw  River  Church"  at  first,  then  by 
the  "  Old  Fork,"  and  finally,  when  it  moved  to  its  present 
location,  it  took  the  name  of  Rock  Spring.  It  was  no 
doubt  an  arm  of  Sandy  Creek  church,  at  the  formation  of 
the  Sandy  Creek  Association,  in  1758,  and  was  soon  after- 
ward constituted  into  -an  independent  church  ;  conse- 
quently, it  may  be  considei'ed  as  the  second  oldest  church 
in  this  association,  and  Bear  Creek  the  third.  The  church 
records,  previously  to  1817,  cannot  now  be  found.  In 
1800,  or  during  the  next  year,  this  church  enjoyed  an  ex- 
tensive revival  of  religion,  under  the  ministerial  labors  of 
Elder  George  Pope.  Elder  Elnathan  Davis,  we  presume, 
succeeded  him  in  the  ministry  at  this  place. 

From  1816  to  the  present  time,  the  following  ministers, 
in  the  order  in  which  their  names  occur,  have  been  the 
pastors  of  this  church  :  Elders  Robert  T.  Daniel,  George 
Brown,  Hezekiah  Harman,  Thomas  D.  Armstrong,  Wil- 
liam H.  Merritt,  George  W.  Purefoy,  Jesse  Sowell,  and 
William  Lineberry. 

The  deacons   have  been  Robert  Ward,  Blake  Erantly* 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  279 

Stephen  Moore,  Richard  Webster,  Willie  B.  Straughan, 
Ransom  C.  Poe,  Guilford  Petty,  Elisha  H.  Straughan, 
George  W.  Dismukes,  and  C.  C.  P.  Dismukes. 

The  clerks  have  been,  since  1816.  Basil  Manly,  William 
Lightfoot,  W.  B.  Straughan,  S.  Moore,  E.  H.  Straughan, 
and  Joseph  G.  Dismukes.  • 

Brother  Basil   Manly  was  licensed  to  preach  by  this 

church  April  25th,  1818,   and  Brethren  Edmund  A.  Poe, 

and  Richard  R.  Moore,  -were  licensed  in  1854. 

• 

FALL    CREEK. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  near 
Deep  River.  It  was  constituted  in  1799.  Elder  Isaac 
Teague,  who  was  a  member  of  this  church,  was  its  pastor 
until  about  1830.  In  1832  and '33,  Elder  William  H. 
Merritt  was  its  pastor.  Several  were  added  to  the  church 
under  his  ministry. 

At  first  this  church  was  blessed  with  prosperity,  but  in 
1828  a  disturbance  was  commenced  among  the  leading 
members,  and  kept  up  for  a  number  of  years.  In  conse- 
quence of  this,  the  church  went  almost  entirely  down  ;  for 
a  while  no  church  meetings  were  held.  In  April,  1857, 
Elder  Thomas  S.  Yarbro,  at  the  request  of  the  Itinerant 
Board,  visited  this  church,  and  found  about  twelve  female 
names  on  the  church  book.  His  labors  have  been  blessed 
to  the  conversion  of  a  number  of  souls;  the  church  now 
numbers  about  thirty-four,  eight  or  ten  of  whom  are  males. 

William  Carr,  one  of  the  companions  of  the  notorious 
Fanning,  afterwards  became  a  member  of  this  church  ;  his 
widow  is  now  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  about  one 
hundred  years. 

The  deacons  of  this  church  at  present  are  J  Alfred 
Scott  and  Tyrrell  Brewer.     Chesley  Jones  is  their  clerk. 


280  A    HISTORY    OF  THE 

FRIENDSHIP. 

This  church,  formerly  called  McLennon's  Creek,  is  situ- 
ated near  the  centre  of  Moore  county,  N.  C. 

Elder  James  Holcombe,  who  was  instrumental  in  getting 
up  the  church,  aided  in  its  constitution,  in  1798,  and  be- 
came its  first  pastor.  Brother  John  Warner  was  licensed 
by  this  church  to  preach,  and  Avas  soon  after  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  by  Elder  Holcombe  and  others. 
Upon  Elder  Holcombe's  removal  to  the  West,  Elder  War- 
ner became  their  pastor.  Since  then,  tftte  regular  pastors 
have  been  Elder  Isaac  Teague,  until  his  death ;  Elder  Eli 
Phillips,  until  his  death ;  Elder  A.  D.  Blackwood  in 
1856  and  '57. 

This  church  has  sent  out  quite  a  number  of  ministers, 
namely  :  Eli  Phillips,  William  Dowd,  P.  W.  Dowd,  Jesse 
Sowell,  and  Noah  Richardson.  Artemas  Shattuck  was  a 
licentiate  when  he  united  with  this  church. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Elder  Teague,  this  church  was 
much  revived  and  the  membership  greatly  increased. 

The  labors  of  Elder  William  Farthing,  who  visited  this 
church  as  a  missionary  of  the  North  Carolina  Missionary 
Society,  were  very  much  blessed  to  this  and  other  churches. 
Owing  to  deaths,  removal,  church  difficulties,  &c,  the 
membership  of  this  church  is  considerably  reduced.  Broth- 
er J.  H.  McLamore  is  the  present  clerk,  and  Brother  E. 
Q.  Sowell  is  a  deacon. 

CARTHAGE. 

This  infant  church  is  located  at  Carthage,  the  county 
seat  of  Moore  county.  It  was  constituted  with  about 
twenty  members  in  May,  1858,  by  Elders  Thomas  S.  Yar- 
bro,  A.  D.  Blackwood,  Noah  Richardson,  and  George  W. 
Purefoy. 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  281 

It  has  a  comfortable,  neat,  and  roomy  house  of  wor- 
ship. Its  membership  is  composed  mainly  of  persons  who 
live  in  the  country,  the  most  of  whom  were  formerly  mem- 
bers at  Bethlehem.  J.  H.  Warner  is  their  clerk,  and  B. 
P.  Persons  and  J.  McLamore  are  their  deacons. 

BETHLEHEM. 

This  church  is  located  in  Moore  county,  on  the  head 
waters  of  McLennon's  and  Richland  creeks. 

In  1832  or  '33,  Elder  N.  Richardson,  who  lives  in  the 
neighborhood,  commenced  preaching,  first  in  private  houses, 
afterward  at  different  places;  temporary  stands  were  erect- 
ed. After  a  while  there  were  a  number  of  conversions 
and  baptisms,  which  resulted  in  the  building  of  a  house  of 
worship,  and  the  constitution  of  a  missionary  Baptist 
church  in  September,  1834,  by  Elders  A.  Shattuck,  Jesse 
Sowell,  and  Noah  Richardson.  From  its  constitution  until 
the  present  time,  Elder  N.  Richardson  has  been  its  pastor. 
Generally  peace  and  harmony  have  prevailed  among  the 
members.  One  hundred  and  ninety-six  persons  have  been 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  this  church,  by  its  pastor. 
They  have  large  and  orderly  congregations. 

The  deacons  have  been  William  Barrett,  Leonard  Law- 
horn,  and  Presley  Caddell. 

William  Phillips  was  its  first  clerk,  Simeon  Phillips  is 
the  clerk  at  present. 

MECHANIC'S    HILL. 

This    church    is  situated   in    the  southwestern  part  of 

Moore  county,  N.  C.      It  was  constituted  in  1832  or  '33. 

It  is  probable  that  Elders  Arrnisted  Lilley  and  Artemas 

Shattuck  constituted   this  church.     Elder   Shattuck  was 

13* 


282  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

moderator  at  its  first  conference  meeting  ;  lie  was  its  first 
pastor.  Conner  Dowd  was  its  first  clerk.  David  Ken- 
nedy, who  was  the  chief  contributor  to  the  building  of 
their  M.  H.,  was  the  first  deacon.  Most  of  the  members 
that  went  into  its  constitution  were  from  Fall  Creek 
church. 

Elders  Shattuck  and  Phillips  were  the  pastors  of  this 
church.  Elder  S.  attended  it  until  he  moved  away,  and 
Elder  P.  until  his  death,  since  which  time  they  have  been 
in  a  declining  state.  Elder  Richardson  has  given  them 
Sabbath  preaching,  monthly,  for  the  last  three  years.  He 
has  large  and  interesting  congregations. 

JUNIPER    SPRING. 

This  church,  which  was  formerly  called  Muddy  Spring, 
is  located  in  Harnet  county,  N.  C.  It  originally  belonged 
to  the  Ealeigh  Association  ;  recently  it  united  with  the 
Sandy  Creek  Association.  It  was  constituted  September 
26,  A.  D.  1812,  by  Elders  Isaac  Hicks,  John  Culpeper, 
and  Hezekiah  Harman.  The  church  covenant  that  was 
adopted  at  the  time  of  its  constitution,  shows  that  they 
were  sound  and  orthodox  in  the  faith. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  have  been  Elders  L-aac  Hicks, 
George  Brown,  Stephen  Senter,  Jesse  Howel,  Samuel 
Brown,  John  Judd,  John  G.  "Wilson,  and  Stephen  Gil- 
more. 

The  deacons  have  been  Jonathan  Holly,  Samuel  Brown, 
Benjamin  Muckle,  and  Caswell  S.  Harward. 

The  clerks  have  been  Samuel  Brown,  John  Hawley,  and 
George  Harward. 


SANDY   CEEEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  283 

GUM    SPRING, 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  be- 
tween Pittsborough  and  Haywood.  It  was  constituted  on 
the  3d  Saturday  in  July,  A.  D.  1829,  by  Elders  H.  Har- 
man  and  Isaac  Kirby  ;  the  most  of  the  members  had  pre- 
viously belonged  to  the  New  Hope  Mountain  Church, 
which  was  dissolved  a  short  time  before. 

The  pastors  have  been  Elders  H.  Harman,  "William  H. 
Merritt,  G.  W.  Purefoy,  William  Dupree,  P.  W.  Dowd, 
William  Lineberry,  and  John  C.  Wilson. 

The  deacons  have  been  William  Drake,  Hardy  Lasater, 
Edmund  Walden,  Willis  Poe,  and  George  Moore. 

The  clerks  have  been  Joseph  Buckanan,  David  Poe,  and 
Hardy  Lasater,  and  James  S.  Lasater. 

This  church  has  been  blessed  with  a  number  of  revivals 
of  religion,  and  is  composed   of  an  excellent  membership. 

The  conviction,  conversion,  and  baptism  of  Brother 
William  Drake,  the  first  deacon  of  this  church,  was  of  a 
peculiar  nature. 

During  an  interesting  revival,  perhaps  in  1802,  Mr. 
Drake's  wife  was  converted  and  received  to  baptism  by  the 
New  Hope  Mountain  church.  This  very  much  enraged 
the  feelings  of  her  husband,  who  was  disinclined  to  reli- 
gion. Previous  to  the  baptism  of  his  wife,  he  affirmed 
that,  if  Mr.  Hicks  drowned  his  wife  (a  thing  that  he  was 
fearful  of),  he  would  shoot  him.  When  the  baptism  took 
place  he  was  so  much  excited  that  he  followed  her  into 
the  water,  to  a  considerable  depth,  without  being  conscious 
of  it.  God  blessed  the  obedience  to  Christ  in  the  baptism 
of  his  wife,  to  his  conviction  ;  he  went  home  greatly  dis- 
tressed, took  to  his  bed,  and  was  unable  to  be  up  for  some 
weeks.     He  did  not  know  what  was  the  matter,  but  was 


284  A    HISTORY   OF   THE 

certain  that  he  would  die.  At  his  request  Elder  Hicks 
preached  one  night  at  his  house.  After  preaching,  he  related 
his  experience  to  the  brethren,  and  was  received  for  bap- 
tism. Mr.  Drake  then  said  to  Elder  Hicks,  "  You  must 
baptize  me."  Elder  H.  replied,  "  I  will  in  the  morning." 
"No!"  said  Mr.  Drake,  "  it  must  be  now."  Elder  H. 
consented,  the  servants  obtained  some  torches  of  light  wood, 
and  they  all  set  out  for  Haw  river,  which  was  near  by. 
Mr.  Drake,  being  unable  to  walk,  was  carried  to  the  water  ; 
after  being  immersed,  he  came  up  out  of  the  water  and 
walked  home,  happy  in  the  love  of  Christ,  and  free  from 
any  bodily  or  mental  affliction. 

This  statement  was  made  by  Brother  and  Sister  Drake, 
to  the  writer,  at  their  own  fireside.  They  were  exemplary 
Christians. 

MOUNT    OLIVE. 

This  church,  which  was  at  first  called  Lick  Creek,  is 
located  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C.  It  was  constituted 
with  thirty-seven  members,  August  3d,  1834,  by  Elders 
William  H.  Merritt,  Thomas  "Weaver,  and  Levi  Andrews. 

The  pastors  have  been  Elders  L.  Andrews,  William 
Jones,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  and  William  Lineberry. 

The  deacons  have  been  Brethren  William  Glosson,  Jesse 
Johnson,  William  Jean,  Abner  W.  Holton,  Anderson 
Jean,  William  Robertson,  and  Paschal  Ellington. 

The  clerks  of  the  church  have  been  Brethren  Nathaniel 
Robertson,  William  Jean,  and  Samuel  Lewis. 

This  church  has  enjoyed  several  revivals  of  religion. 


SAXDT    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  285 

CHAPEL   HILL. 

This  church  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  late  Elder 
William  Henry  Merritt,  for  his  zeal  and  liberality  in  their 
behalf.  He  was  probably  the  first  in  conceiving  and  pre- 
senting the  idea  of  planting  a  Baptist  church  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  the  State.  For  this  purpose  he  purchased  the 
lots  on  which  the  church  building  and  the  female  academy 
now  stand.  In  addition  to  these  lots  he  made  bequests 
amounting  to  about  $1200,  toward  the  erection  of  the 
church  edifice.  Soon  after  his  death  the  building  com- 
mittee employed  an  agent  to  solicit  additional  funds,  and 
soon  erected  a  neat  and  substantial  brick  house,  thirty-five 
by  seventy  feet.  In  the  meantime,  the  Mount  Carmel 
Baptist  church  (March  11th,  1854)  organized  a  branch  of 
that  church  at  Chapel  Hill.  On  the  14th  of  April  fol- 
lowing, the  first  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Brother 
William  G-.  Weaver.  On  the  15th  day  of  September  fol- 
lowing, the  church  was  constituted  by  a  presbytery  con- 
sisting of  Elders  J.  J.  James,  George  W.  Purefoy,  John 
C.  Wilson,  and  B.  J.  Hackney. 

The  church  now  numbers  about  one  hundred  and  sixty 
members.  A  few  years  after  its  constitution,  Elder  Teas- 
dale,  of  Washington  city,  held  a  protracted  meeting,  which 
resulted  in  great  additions  to  the  church. 

In  1855  and  '56,  Elder  B.  J.  Hackney  served  as  pas- 
tor ;  since  then  Elder  Levi  Thorne  has  been  their  pastor. 

The  deacons  of  this  church  have  been  William  G. 
Weaver,  John  Hutchins,  Nash  Cheek,  and  John  Ward. 

Brother  P.  H.  McDade  is  their  clerk. 

Connected  with  this  church  there  is  a  flourishing  Sun- 
day school,  owing  chiefly  to  the  efficiency  of  its  superin- 
tendent, Brother  P.  H.  McDade.  Much  credit  is  also  due 
to  the  teachers,  both  male  and  female. 


286  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 


MOUNT   ZION. 


This  church  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  Ala- 
mance county,  N.  C.  It  was  constituted  a.  d.  1825,  by 
Elders  A.  Swaim,  William  Dowd,  and  William  Farthing. 

The  pastors  of  this  church  have  been  Elders  Samuel 
Hymer,  John  Stadler,  Enoch  Crutchfield,  Levi  Andrews, 
William  Lineberry,  Job  Jacks,  J.  Murry,  T.  S.  Yarbro, 
and  Orren  Churchill. 

The  deacons  have  been  John  Coble,  David  Wood,  E. 
G-.  Brothers,  Henry  Kivit,  Samuel  V.  Barker,  and  David 
Teague. 

The  clerks  have  been  David  Patterson,  from  1825  to 
1844 ;  since  then  E.  G.  Brothers  has  been  clerk. 

Brother  David  Patterson  bequeathed  to  this  church  the 
plantation  on  which  he  lived,  as  a  parsonage,  $1000  in 
cash,  and  $600  in  Navigation  stock.  Brother  Eli  Eulis 
bequeathed  S300,  but  the  church  only  realized  $150  of  it 
What  has  been  the  practical  working  of  these  funds  we 
are  unable  to  say. 

This  church  is  small,  and  is  surrounded  by  almost  every 
ism  that  abounds  in  the  state. 

ROCKY  RIVER. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  N.  C,  on 
the  waters  of  Rocky  River.  It  was  constituted  in  1757, 
if  the  statement  to  that  effect  in  the  minutes  of  the  asso- 
ciation, for  1834,  be  correct.  This  is  no  doubt  a  mistake, 
for  in  1771  it  is  not  in  the  list  of  churches  that  then  com- 
posed the  association.  It  was  then,  no  doubt,  an  arm  of 
Sandy  Creek  church,  and  was  soon  afterwards  constituted 
into  a  church.      Of  its  early  history  but  little  is  known. 

Brethren   Daniel  Hackney,    Sr.,    and   David  Teague, 


SANDY    CREEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  287 

were  perhaps  the  first  deacons;  they  resigned  in  1825,  in 
consequence  of  old  age.  Elder  Adam  Moffitt  was  pastor 
of  this  church  for  a  number  of  years.  At  one  time  there 
was  a  great  revival  of  religion  in  this  church,  under  his 
labors.  Since  then  the  pastors  have  been  T.  D.  Arm- 
strong, E.  Crutchfield,  E.  Phillips,  and  William  Line- 
berry. 

Malthus  D.  Freeman  was  licensed  to  preach  by  this 
church,  November,  1833,  arid  was  ordained  in  March, 
1835.  Elder  William  Lineberry,  who  had  been  for  some 
time  a  Methodist  Protestant  minister,  united  with  this 
church  by  experience,  on  Saturday  before  the  fifth  Sab- 
bath in  December,  1843,  and  was  baptized  on  the  next 
day  by  Elder  E.  Crutchfield,  and  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  by  Elders  Samuel  Wait,  Richard  Jacks,  Levi 
Andrews,  Warren  Brooks,  and  E.  Crutchfield. 

The  recent  deacons  have  been  William  H.  Bridges,  Wil- 
liam Teague,  Wiley  Jones,  and  Parker  Fox. 

The  clerks  have  been  Elisha  Silar  and  Samuel  Carter. 

PLEASANT    GROVE . 

This  church  (frequently  known  as  Bell's)  is  located  in 
Chatham  county,  N.  C,  near  New  Hope  Bridge.  It  was 
first  called  Lasaters ;  the  house  then  stood  on  the  west  side 
of  New  Hope.  Of  its  early  history  we  have  been  able  to 
learn  but  little.  It  has  been  served  as  pastor  by  Elders 
Isaac  Hicks,  Jesse  Howel,  P.  W.  Dowd,  Johnson  Olive, 
J.  C.  Wilson,  Samuel  Baldwin,  Orren  Churchill,  and 
others. 

Unfortunately,  this  church  worships  in  a  free  meeting- 
house, and  is  encumbered  with  another  denomination 
meeting  in  the  same  house.     Two  cannot  "  walk  together 


288  A    HISTOKY    OF   THE 

unless  they  are  agreed."  In  consequence  of  this,  and 
some  other  things,  a  number  of  its  members  have  taken 
letters,  and  joined  at  other  places. 

Brother  Thomas  W.  Womble  is  their  present  clerk. 

SANDY    CREEK. 

This  church  is  located  on  Sandy  Creek,  in  Randolph 
county,  N.  C  It  was  organized  in  1755,  by  Elder 
Shubael  Stearns  and  others,  with  sixteen  members.  It 
soon  increased  to  six  hundred  and  six  members,  but  by 
deaths,  removals,  and  dismissions  to  unite  with  other  Bap- 
tist churches,  &c,  it  was  reduced  by  1772  to  fourteen 
members.  It  has  never  been  a  large  and  prosperous 
church  since.  It  is,  however,  the  mother  of  all  the  sepa- 
rate (now  called  Regular)  Baptists  in  North  and  South 
Carolina,  Virginia,  &c.  It  is  the  mother  church  of  the 
Sanely  Creek  Baptist  Association,  which  takes  its  name 
from  that  church.  Various  causes  have  contributed  to 
the  feebleness  of  this  church,  among  these  may  be  men- 
tioned the  want  of  an  enlightened  ministry  to  resist  the 
encroachments  of  errorists,  the  want  of  strict  discipline, 
and  the  want  of  greater  liberality  in  sustaining  the  minis- 
try, &c.  Much  has  already  been  said  about  this  church 
in  connection  with  the  organization  of  this  association, 
Rev.  Shubael  Stearns,  &c.  The  other  churches,  as  children 
of  this,  should  take  great  interest'in  its  welfare.  Sufficient 
aid  should  immediately  be  given  it  as  would  enable  it  at 
once  to  build  a  large  and  commodious  house  of  worship. 
The  ministers  of  the  association  ought  to  visit  these  breth- 
ren annually,  and  strive  to  bring  up  this  church  to  that 
position  which,  as  the  mother  of  the  body,  she  ought  to 
occupy.     Will  the}'  not  do  this  ?     If  the  mantle  of  Shu- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  289 

bael  Stearns  rests  upon  them,  they  will.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  the  ministering  brethren  will  meet  this  recommenda- 
tion with  a  hearty  response  ;  if  so,  no  doubt  God  will 
bless  their  labors,  and  Sandy  Creek  church  will  soon 
blossom  as  the  rose,  and  become  a  prosperous  body. 

It  is  desirable  that  the  association  appoint  annually 
ministering  brethren  to  meet  at  this  church,  and  conduct 
a  protracted  meeting,  at  such  time  as  will  best  suit  the 
convenience  of  the  brethren  composing  the  church. 

LYSTEA. 

This  church  is  located  in  Chatham  county,  about  six 
miles  south  of  Chapel  Hill.  It  was  constituted  in  Novem- 
ber, 1852,  by  Elders  James  S.  Purefoy,  Aaron  Jones,  and 
George  W.  Purefoy.  It  was  a  few  years  before  organized 
at  the  "  Dodd  House,"  as  an  arm  of  Mount  Carmel 
church.  A  protracted  meeting  was  held  by  Brother  A. 
L.  Stough  at  the  Dodd  House,  in  1848  or  1849,  that  re- 
sulted in  the  conversion  of  a  number  of  persons.  He 
also  conducted  a  protracted  meeting  at  the  "  Cole  House," 
which  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  a  goodly  number. 
These  converts,  with  others,  soon  had  a  meeting-house 
built,  at  Avhich  the  Lystra  Church  was  constituted,  as 
mentioned  above.  These  revivals,  and  their  effects,  have 
resulted  in  great  good  to  the  community.  The  pastors  of 
this  church  have  been,  Elders  John  C.  Wilson  and  J.  P. 
Mason.  The  deacons  are,  S.  E.  Cole  and  A.  J.  Riggsbee. 
Brother  J.  J.  Riggsbee  is  their  clerk. 

PITTSBOROUGII. 

This  church  is  located  at  Pittsborough,  the  county  seat 
of  Chatham  county,  N.  C.     It  was  constituted  in   1850, 


290  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

by  Elders  William  Lineberry  and  George  TV.  Purefoy, 
with  very  few  members.  Owing  to  various  causes,  this 
church  has  not  grown  any,  but  has  rather  declined.  For 
awhile  they  had  a  heavy  debt  upon  them  for  their  meeting- 
house. Through  the  agency  of  Elder  Thomas  S.  Yarbro, 
this  debt  was  extinguished. 

If  all  the  Baptists  in  and  near  to  the  village  had  united 
with  thi3  church,  and  been  liberal  in  sustaining  an  effi- 
cient ministry,  things  would  have  taken  a  more  favorable 
turn.  Some  of  those  that  resided  in  the  town  did  not 
unite  with  this  church.  As  may  have  been  expected,  a 
portion  of  their  children  have  united  with  the  Pedobaptists. 
This  might  no  doubt  have  been  prevented,  if  their  parents 
had  understood  the  divine  mission  of  the  Baptists,  and 
discharged  their  duty  in  laboring  to  build  up  the  cause  of 
truth. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  291 


iffgrHjjIjual  Sfeetrjjes. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

ELDER  SHUBAEL  STEARNS. 

Concerning  his  early  history  little  or  nothing  is  known. 
About  the  year  1740  an  extensive  revival  of  religion  pre- 
vailed in  the  New-England  states,  through  the  instrumen- 
tality of  George  Whitefield  and  others.  Owing  to  some  pe- 
culiarities in  the  views  and  manner  of  the  laborers  in  that 
work,  they,  with  their  followers,  were  called  New  Lights, 
and  afterwards  Separates.  With  this  body  of  Christians 
Mr.  Stearns  connected  himself,  in  the  year  1745.  Im- 
mediately after,  his  mind  became  impressed  with  the  obli- 
gation to  preach  the  gospel,  and  he  at  once  engaged  in 
this  work.  In  1751  he  left  the  Pedobaptists,  being  con- 
vinced, from  the  word  of  God,  that  in  failing  to  submit  to 
the  ordinance  of  immersion,  he  had  neglected  a  most  im- 
portant command  of  the  Eedeemer.  He  also  discovered 
the  futility  of  infant  baptism,  and  united  with  the  Bap- 
tists on  the  20th  of  May,  1751.  He  was  immersed  by 
Elder  Wait  Palmer,  at  Tolland,  Conn.,  and  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  the  same  year,  by  Elders 
Palmer  and  Joshua  Morse. 

Mr.  Stearns  was  a  native  of  Boston.  After  laboring  a 
few  years  in  New-England  he  left  his  native   state,  being 


292  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

influenced  by  strong  impressions  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
travel  extensively.  He  stopped  awhile  in  Virginia,  and 
preached  in  the  counties  of  Berkley  and  Hampshire  for 
some  time,  but  not  meeting  with  his  expected  success,  he 
left  Virginia  and  came  to  North  Carolina,  and  settled  on 
JSandy  Creek,  in  Guilford  (now  Randolph)  county.  Here 
he  and  his  company  built  a  meeting-house,  and  organized 
a  church,  and  called  it  Sandy  Creek,  of  which  he  con- 
tinued its  pastor  during  his  life. 

Mr.  Stearns  travelled  extensively  in  Virginia  and  Nortn 
Carolina,  and  was  instrumental  in  doing  much  good.  He 
was  the  chief  instrument  in  the  organization  of  the  Sandy 
Creek  Baptist  Association.  He  was  a  man  of  small  stat- 
ure, of  good  natural  powers,  and  sound  judgment;.  His 
education  was  limited,  yet  he  was  pretty  well  acquainted 
with  books.  His  voice  was  musical  and  strong,  which  he 
managed  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  soft  impressions 
on  the  heart,  and  bring  tears  from  the  eyes  in  a  me- 
chanical way,  and  anon  to  shake  the  very  nerves,  and 
throw  the  animal  system  into  tumults  and  perturbations. 
All  the  Separate  Baptists  copied  after  him,  in  tones  of 
voice  and  actions  of  body,  and  some. few  exceeded  him. 
His  character  was  indisputably  good,  both  as  a  man,  a 
Christian,  and  a  preacher.  In  his  eyes  was  something 
very  penetrating  ;  there  seemed  to  be  a  meaning  in  every 
glance.  Many  stories  have  been  told  respecting  the  en- 
chantments of  his  eyes  and  voice,  but  the  two  following 
examples  we  give  with  the  more  confidence  (says  Morgan 
Edwards),  because  the  subjects  of  them  were  men  of  sense 
and  reputation,  and  afterwards  became  distinguished  Bap- 
tist ministers  : 

"When  the  fame  of  Mr.  Steam's  preaching,"  said  Mr. 
Tidance  Lane,  "had  reached  the  Yadkin,  where  I  lived, 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  293 

I  felt  a  curiosity  to  go  and  hear  him.  Upon  my  arrival  I 
saw  a  venerable  old  man  sitting  under  a  peach  tree,  with 
a  book  in  his  hand,  and  the  people  gathering  about  him. 
He  fixed  his  eyes  upon  me  immediately,  which  made  me 
feel  in  such  a  manner  as  I  never  had  felt  before.  I  turned 
to  quit  the  place,  but  could  not  proceed  far ;  I  walked 
about,  sometimes  catching  his  eyes  as  I  walked.  My  un- 
easiness increased,  and  became  intolerable.  I  went  up  to 
him,  thinking  that  a  salutation  and  shaking  hands  would 
relieve  me,  but  it  happened  otherwise.  I  began  to  think 
that  he  had  an  evil  eye,  and  ought  to  be  shunned,  but 
shunning  him  I  could  no  more  effect  than  a  bird  can  shun 
the  rattlesnake,  when  it  fixes  its  eyes  upon  it.  When  he 
began  to  preach,  my  perturbations  increased,  so  that  nature 
could  no  longer  support  them,  and  I  sunk  to  the  ground." 

Mr.  Lane  afterward  became  a  very  useful  Baptist 
minister. 

"Elnathan  Davis,"  continues  Mr.  Edwards,  "  had  heard 
that  one  John  Steward  was  to  be  baptized  such  a  day,  by 
Mr.  Stearns.  Now  this  Steward  being  a  very  large  man, 
and  Stearns  of  small  stature,  he  concluded  there  would  be 
some  diversion,  if  not  drowning ;  therefore,  he  gathered 
about  eight  or  ten  of  his  companions  in  wickedness,  and 
went  to  the  spot.  Mr.  Stearns  came,  began  to  preach ; 
Elnathan  went  to  hear  him,  while  his  companions  stood 
at  a  distance.  He  was  no  sooner  am<jng  the  crowd  than 
he  perceived  some  of  the  people  tremble,  as  if  in  a  fit  of 
the  ague  ;  he  felt  and  examined  them,  in  order  to  find  if  it 
were  not  a  dissimulation.  Meanwhile  one  man  leaned  on 
his  shoulder,  weeping  bitterly.  'Elnathan,  perceiving  he 
had  wet  his  new  white  coat,  pushed  him  off,  and  ran  to 
his  companions,  who  were  sitting  on  a  log  at  a  distance. 
When  he  came,  one  said,  'Well,  Elnathan,  wdiat  do  you 


294  A   HISTORY   OP   THE 

think  now  of  these  people  V  affixing  to  them  a  profane 
and  reproachful  epithet.  He  replied,  '  There  is  a  trembling 
and  crying  spirit  among  them,  but  whether  it  be  the  spirit 
of  God  or  the  devil  I  don't  know;  if.it  be  the  devil,  the 
devil  go  with  them,  for  I  will  never  more  venture  myself 
among  them  !'  He  stood  awhile  in  that  resolution,  but 
the  enchantment  of  Stearns'  voice  drew  him  to  the  crowd 
once  more.  He  had  not  been  long  there  before  the  trem- 
bling seized  him  also  ;  he  attempted  to  withdraw,  but  his- 
strength  failing,  and  his  understanding  being  confounded, 
he,  with  many  others,  sunk  to  the  ground ;  when  he  came 
to  himself  he  found  nothing  in  him  but  dread  and  anxiety, 
bordering  on  horror.  He  continued  in  this  situation  some 
days,  and  then  found  relief  by  faith  in  Christ." 
/  After  a  laborious  and  useful  life,  Mr.  Stearns  died  in 
the  midst  of  his  flock,  at  Sandy  Creek,  on  the  20th  of 
November,  1771.  His  body  was  interred  near  the  meet- 
ing-house. 

DANIEL  MARSHAL. 

Mr.  Marshal  was  the  brother-in-law  of  Mr.  Stearns, 
and  accompanied  him  to  this  state,  and  he  and  his  wife 
were  two  of  the  sixteen  members  with  which  the  Sandy 
Creek  church  was  at  first  constituted.  The  following 
sketch  of  his  life  is  taken  from  a  biographical  notice  pre- 
pared by  his  son,  Elder  Abraham  Marshal : 

"  He  was  bom  in  1706,  in  Windsor,  in  Connecticut. 
He  was  religiously  educated,  by  respectable  and  pious 
parents,  and  being  hopefully  converted  at  twenty  years  of 
age,  joined  the  Presbyterians  in  his  native  place.  He  was 
for  eighteen  months  a  missionary  among  the  Mohawk 
Indians,  and  labored  with  much  success,  which  position 
he  had  to  abandon  on  account  of  war  among  the  savage 


SANDT    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  295 

tribes.  He  lived  a  while  at  Connogogig^  in  Pennsvlvania, 
and  thence  he  moved  to  Winchester,  in  Virginia.  Here 
he  became  acquainted  with  Baptists,  and  after  an  impar- 
tial examination  of  their  faith  and  order,  he  and  his  wife 
were  immersed,  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  his  life.  He 
moved  from  Virginia  to  North  Carolina,  and  settled  for  a 
while  on  IJwhary  ;  he  afterward  moved  to  Abbott's  Creek, 
in  Davidson  county,  North  Carolina,  and  was  instrumen- 
tal in  planting  what  is  now  called  Abbott's  Creek  church- 
He  was  ordained  pastor  of  this  church  in  the  fifty-second 
year  of  his  age,  by  Elders  Henry  Ledbetter  and  Shubael 
Stearns.  Soon  after  this,  while  travelling  in  Virginia,  he 
baptized  Col.  Samuel  Harris,  who  became  an  eminent  and 
useful  minister  in  that  state.  A  few  years  after  his  ordi- 
nation he  moved  to  and  settled  on  Beaver  Creek,  in  South 
Carolina,  where  he  soon  raised  a  church  ;  he  then  removed 
to  Horse  Creek,!  about  fifteen  miles  north  of  Augusta, 
Georgia.  While  engaged  in  prayer  he  was  seized,  in  the 
presence  of  his  audience,  for  preaching  in  the  parish  of  St. 
Paul,  and  made  to  give  security  for  his  appearance  in  Au- 
gusta, on  the  Monday  following.  On  the  trial  he  was 
ordered  not  to  come  again  as  a  preacher  into  Georgia.  In 
the  words  of  an  apostle,  similarly  circumstanced,  he  re- 
plied :  "  Whether  it  be  right  to  obey  God,  or  man,  judge 
ye." 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1771,  he,  with  his  family,  settled 
at  Kioke,  and  the  following  spring  formed  a  church,  which 
became  the  mother  of  many  more,  and  sent  out  several  or- 
dained ministers  ;  among  these  are  Elders  Saunders,  Walker, 
Samuel  Newton,  Loveless,  Savage,  A.  Scott,  and  Abra- 
ham Marshal. 

During  the  war  of  the  revolution  Mr.  Marshal  was  a 
strong  friend  of  the  American  cause,  and  was  once  made  a 


296  A    HISTORY    OF   THE 

prisoner,  and  put  wnder  a  strong  guard,  but  obtaining  leave 
of  the  officers,  be  commenced  and  supported  so  heavy  a 
charge  of  exhortation  and  prayer,  that,  like  Daniel  of  old, 
while  his  enemies  stood  amazed  and  confounded,  he  was 
safely  and  honorably  delivered  from  this  den  of  lions. 

After  a  life  of  extended  labor  and  usefulness,  he,  at  a 
good  old  age  (78  years),  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  His  last 
words  (as  taken  down  at  the  time)  were  as  follows  : 

"Dear  Brethren  and  sisters,  I  am  just  gone  ;  this  night 
I  shall  probably  expire  ;  but  I  have  nothing  to  fear ;  I 
have  fought  the  good  fight ;  I  have  finished  my  course  ; 
I  have  kept  the  faith  ;  and  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for 
me  a  crown  of  righteousness.  God  has  shown  me  that 
he  is  my  God ;  that  I  am  his  son  ;  and  that  an  eternal 
weight  of  glory  is  mine  !" 

He  then  said  to  his  dear  wife  and  faithful  assistant  in 
all  his  labors,  who  was  sitting  by  his  side,  bedewed  with 
tears : 

"  Go  on  my  dear  wife  to  serve  the  Lord.  Hold  out  to 
the  end.  Eternal  glory  is  before  us."  After  a  silence  of 
some  minutes  he  called  his  son,  and  said,  "  My  breath  is 
almost  gone.  I  have  been  praying  that  I  may  go  home 
to-nignt.  I  had  great  happiness  in  our  worship  this  morn- 
ing, particularly  in  singing,  which  will  make  a  part  of  my 
exercises  in  a  blessed  eternity."  He  then  closed  his  eyes 
in  death,  at  the  dawn  of  the  2d  day  of  November,  1784. 

His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  from  the  above  named 
text  ("  I  have  finished  my  course,"  &c),  by  Elder  Charles 
Buffey. 

"  Tho'  no  proud  pile,  learned  pen,  nor  lettered  stone 
His  virtues  rare  to  late  posterity  reveals 
He'll  ever  shine,  and  waxingly  has  shone, 
Through  rolling  years,  in  ministerial  seals." 


SANDY    CREIK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  297 

ELDER    ELNATHAN"    DAVIS. 

"Mr.  Davis  was  born  in  Baltimore  county,  Maryland 
1735,  was  bred  a  Seventh-day  Baptist ;  went  to  Slow  Biver> 
N.  C,  in  1757  ;  was  baptized  by  Elder  Sliubael  Stearns, 
at  Sandy  Creek,  and  ordained  by  Elder  Samuel  Harris,  in 
1764;  continued  in  N.  C.,  until  1798,  when  he  removed 
to  South  Carolina,  and  settled  in  the  bounds  of  the  Saluda 
Association."  " 

An  interesting  account  of  his  conviction  and  conversion 
was  given  in  the  biographical  sketch  of  Elder  Stearns.  Mr. 
Davis  was  a  man  of  considerable  abilities,  and  was  the 
leading  Baptist  minister,  after  the  death  of  Elder  Stearns, 
In  the  bounds  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Association. 

For  a  number  of  years  before  he  moved  to  South  Care 
na,  he  resided  on  Dry  creek,  in  Chatham  County,  N.  C. 

ELDER    GEORGE    POPE. 

George  Pope  was,  for  a  number  of  years,  pastor  of  the 
church  at  Abbott's  Creek,  in  Davidson  (then  Rowan) 
county,  N.  C  He  was  a  man  of  sense  and  moderation, 
and  exerted  great  influence  for  good,  in  his  day ;  he  was 
repeatedly  chosen  modei-ator  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Asso- 
ciation, and  Avas  one  of  its  most  influential  members  for  a 
number  of  years.  During  the  year  1800,  there  was  an 
extensive  revival  of  religion  in  the  bounds  of  this  associ- 
ation. Elder  Pope,  during  the  revival,  baptized  about 
500  persons,  many  of  whom  became  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel. An  interesting  account  of  this  revival  has  already 
been  given,  in  the  words  of  Elder  Pope,  as  related  to  Elder 
Benedict,  who  visited  him  in  1810. 

14 


298  A    IIISTOKY  OF   THE 

ELDER    ISAAC    HICKS. 

Mr.  Hicks  was  for  a  number  of  years  a  member  of  the 
Sandy  Creek  Association.  He  was  a  useful  man,  main- 
tained an  exemplary  Christian  character  ;  his  preaching 
was  of  an  experimental  character,  and  was  much  blessed 
to  the  conviction  and  conversion  of  souls. 

During  the  revival  of  1800,  and  afterward,  he  baptized 
a  great  many  persons ;  quite  a  number  of  whom  became 
ministers  of  the  gospel.  He  was  possessed  of  very  little 
learning,  was  poor,  as  to  this  world's  goods,  and  received 
very  little,  if  any,  support  from  the  church  which  he 
served  as  pastor.  He  lived  in  Chatham  county,  on  the 
waters  of  Bush  Creek,  at  which  place,  after  a  laborious  life, 
he  died  at  an  advanced  age.  Some  of  his  descendants  are 
now  living  in  that  vicinity. 

ELDER    THOMAS    BROWN. 

Mr.  Brown  was  a  man  of  obscure  parentage,  without 
education  ;  but  was  possessed  with  a  strong  mind,  though 
somewhat  eccentric.  Previous  to  his  conversion  he  had 
been  a  very  wicked  and  dissipated  man  ;  afterward  he 
maintained  a  consistent  Christian  character. 

Quite  a  number  of  anecdotes  are  related  of  him  :  On 
one  occasion  he  met  with  a  man  in  a  state  of  intoxication, 
who  had  embraced  religion  under  his  ministry.  The  unfor- 
tunate man  said  to  Mr.  Brown,  "  You  are  the  very  man 
that  converted  my  soul."  "Yes,"  replied  Mr.  Brown,  "it 
looks  like  some  of  my  bungling  work,  for  if  God  had  con- 
verted you,  you  would  not  now  be  drunk." 

After  his  conversion,  he  was  sometimes  insulted  by  per- 
sons, who,  though  afraid  of  him,  relied  upon  his  piety  as 
their  protection.     At  one  time,  Mr.  Brown  happened  at  a 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  299 

public  collection,  when  a  man  by  the  name  of  King  said  a 
good  many  abusive  things  to  him,  and  then  called  him  a 
coward  for  not  righting  him.  Mr.  Brown  (knowing  that 
King  was  afraid  of  him,  and  was  relying  upon  Brown's 
being  a  preacher  for  protection)  said  to  him,  "  If  you  will 
go  with  me  to  the  woods,  where  no  one  can  see  us,  and 
will  promise  not  to  tell  Brother  Elnathan  Davis,  I  will 
fight  you."  After  this,  King •  was  respectful  to  him,  and 
he  was  never  again  insulted  in  that  way. 

Mr.  Brown  was  a  poor  man,  and  received  very  little,  if 
any  remuneration  for  his  services,  and  having  a  large  family 
to  raise,  he  did  not  preach  a  great  deal.  He  lived  and 
died  in  Chatham  county,  on  Haw  river. 

On  one  or  more  occasions,  Mr.  Brown  visited  Raleigh 
during  the  session  of  the  legislature,  and  preached  before 
the  members  in  exceedingly  coarse  apparel,  with  negro  cot- 
ton wrappers  on.  The  members  made  him  a  handsome 
donation,  out  of  respect  to  his  preaching  abilities,  and  in 
view  of  his  necessities. 

ELDER  ROBERT  THOMAS  DANIEL. 

Robert  T.  Daniel  was  the  fifth  son  of  Samuel  and 
Eliza  Thomas  Daniel.  He  was  born  on  the  10th  of  June, 
1773,  in  Middlesex  county,  Virginia.  Soon  after  the 
close  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  the  family  emigrated  to 
North  Carolina,  and  settled  in  Chatham  county. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-three,  March  1st,  1796,  Mr.  D. 
was  married  to  Miss  Penelope  Cain  Flowers,  of  Chatham 
county,  N.  C.  This  lady  was  eminently  a  co-worker 
with  her  husband  in  his  ministerial  labors.  She  died  in 
Mississippi  on  the  1st  day  of  January,  1840.  She  met 
the  summons  with  a  serene  heart,  and  ascended,  expressing 


300  A   HISTORY  OF   THE 

her  perfect  confidence  in  the  boundless  fullness  of  Christ, 
and  that  in  him  she  was  safe. 

Mr.  D.  professed  conversion  in  July,  1802,  in  his 
twenty-ninth  year,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  Isaac  Hicks, 
at  Holly  Springs,  in  Wake  county,  N.  C.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  in  April,  1803,  and  was  ordained  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry  in  July  of  that  year,  by  Elders  Isaac  Hicks 
and  Nathan  Gully.  His  education  was  extremely  limited, 
but  he  had  less  need  of  this  species  of  preparation  (says  Dr. 
R.  B.  C  Howel,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  the  most  of 
this  biographical  sketch),  than  any  man  he  ever  saw. 
His  extraordinary  abilities  were  at  once  perceived  and 
appreciated. 

The  church  at  Mount  Pisgah  was  the  first  that  shared 
his  pastoral  labors.  After  some  years  he  moved  to  Rocky 
River,  in  Chatham,  and  took  charge  of  May's  Chapel 
Church.  Thence  he  removed  to  Sawmill  Church,  in 
Marlborough  district,  S.  C.  From  that  place  he  returned 
to  May's  Chapel.  While  here  he  aceepted  the  call  to  the 
church  in  Raleigh,  and  removed  to  that  city.  From 
there  he  moved  to  Pitt  county,  and  took  charge  of  the 
church  in  Greenville.  Thence  he  removed  to  the  church 
at  Black  Creek,  in  Southampton  county,  Virginia.  Thence 
to  Bullfield,  Greenville  county,  in  Virginia.  He  then 
moved  to  Tennessee,  and  itinerated  for  some  time  in  the 
middle  portion  of  the  State.  Thence  he  removed  to  Holly 
Springs,  Mississippi.  He  finally  settled  in  Salem,  Mis- 
sissippi, which  he  regarded  as  his  home  at  the  time  of  his 
death. 

From  this  rapid  sketch  (continues  Dr.  PI.)  it  will  be 
seen  that  Mr.  Daniel  was  emphatically  a  wanderer.  He 
had  literally  "no  continuing  city."  This  feature  in  his 
history  was  the  result  of  causes  not  difficult  to  be  ascer- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  30  . 

tained.  His  temperament  was  sanguine.  He  was  easily 
discouraged,  and  as  easily  induced  to  change  his  place  by 
the  prospect  of  greater  usefulness  at  some  other.  The 
revival  spirit  had  a  permanent  home  in  his  heart.  Where 
religious  excitement  prevailed,  for  the  time,  he  was  power- 
fully attracted,  and  strongly  disposed  to  fix  his  residence. 
No  man  had  more  of  Christian  urbanity  and  kindness, 
was  more  ardently  beloved  by  his  people,  or  more  deeply 
regretted  when  he  considered  it  his  duty  to  leave  them. 

Another  prominent  characteristic  of  our  departed 
brother  was,  an  abiding  desire  to  unite  the  people  of  God 
in  evangelical  action,  by  which  he  was  assured  they  could 
accomplish  more  than  in  their  separate  and  individual 
capacity.  During  a  great  part  of  his  life  he  was  either  a 
missionary  or  an  agent  of  some  missionary  society. 

When  not  especially  employed  as  a  missionary  or  agent, 
the  whole  region  of  country,  within  from  a  hundred  to  two 
hundred  miles  of  his  residence,  was  frequently  visited  by 
him,  and  especially  such  places  as  gave  indications  of  re- 
vival. In  these  excursions  his  labors  were  often  attended 
by  the  most  happy  results.  He  was  not,  consequently, 
much  with  his  churches  ;  and  yet  most  of  them  were,  by 
his  instrumentality,  built  up,  and  greatly  strengthened. 

In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Howel,  he  says :  "  During  the  thirty 
years  that  have  passed  away  since  I  commenced  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  I  have  travelled,  for  the  purpose  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel,  about  sixty  thousand  miles,  preached  up- 
ward of  Jive  thousand  sermons,  and  baptized  more  than 
fifteen  hundred  people.  Of  that  number,  many  are  now 
ministers  of  various  grades,  but  twelve  are  men  of  dis- 
tinguished talents  and  usefulness,  and  ten,  mostly  through 
my  procurement,  are  regularly  and  thoroughly  educated. 
Of  all  these,"  he  adds,  "  I  have  nothing  to  boast,  only  in 


302  A.    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Qhrlst  Jesus,  my  Lord.  I  regret,  much,  that  I  have  done 
so  little  for  his  dear  cause,  and  heen  so  coldhearted  and 
remiss  of  duty." 

Mr.  Daniel  was  emphatically  the  friend  of  young 
preachers.  Affectionate  and  sympathetic  in  his  inter- 
course with  them,  he  was  ever  ready  to  impart  instruction, 
and  to  encourage  and  sustain  them  hy  his  countenance  and 
influence.  His  advice  was  always  in  favor  of  a  close  and 
constant  study  of  the  Bible,  joined  with  ardent  prayer, 
humility,  and  exclusive  devotion  to  the  glorious  cause. 
Many  a  young  minister  has  felt,  for  years,  the  influence  of 
a  few  hoars'  intercourse  witlf  him.  He  was  truly  apostolic 
in  his  sentiments  and  actions  regarding  the  spread  of  the 
gospel.  The  cause  of  Christ  was  the  same  to  him  in  all 
lands,  and  had  the  same  measure  of  his  prayers,  labors, 
and  anxieties.  In  the  last  article  he  ever  wrote  for  publi- 
cation, he  earnestly,  as  professedly  his  dying  admonition, 
solicits  the  ministry  to  give  themselves  wholly  to  the  work  ; 
to  avoid  all  feelings  of  selfishness ;  in  their  addresses  to 
be  plain,  brief,  perspicuous,  and  to  preach  to  the  heart  ; 
to  be  affectionate  to  other  denominations  ;  to  seek  self- 
government,  and  continued  mental  advancement ;  to  in- 
dulge no  jealousies  toward  each  other  ;  to  seek  out  and 
encourage  young  men  whose  duty  it  may  be  to  preach, 
and  to  avoid  secular  and  political  stations  and  honors ; 
to  be  faithful  in  private  intercourse  ;  to  be  industrious 
in  preparations  for  the  pulpit ;  to  abjure  all  egotism ; 
never  to  ordain  any  man  of  whose  fitness  for  the  sacred 
office  they  are  not  entirely  satisfied  ;  and  to  remember 
that,  whatever  may  be  their  literary  and  philosophical 
attainments,  without  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  Bible, 
they  are  unprepared  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  minister 
of   Christ.      In  the  same  paper    he  exhorts  the  churches 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  303 

to  be  indissolubly  united  in  their  efforts  for  the  spread 
of  tlie  gospel ;  to  sustain  the  ministry  by  their  co-opera- 
tion, their  prayers,  and  their  contributions  ;  to  provide 
means  for  the  education  of  those  who  are  preparing  to 
enter  the  field  ;  to  see  that  they  are  all  devoted  to  the 
work  ;  to  secure  the  services  of  able  and  efficient  dea- 
cons ;  and  to  cultivate  among  themselves,  assiduously,  the 
spirit  of  concord. 

The  Bible  and  the  human  heart  were  his  chief  books. 
His  manner  was  natural  and  affectionate.  He  possessed  a 
tall  and  manly  person,  a  countenance  of  the  finest  mould, 
intellectual  and  benevolent,  a  voice  in  which  was  mingled 
the  sweetness  of  music  and  affection.  |  For  many  years  his 
locks  upon  his  brow  were  white  as  wool,  his  whole  aspect 
and  manner  instantly  enchained  his  hearers,  and  made 
them  feel  that  they  were  in  the  presence  of  a  great  and 
good  man.  His  piety  was  consistent,  ardent,  and  cheer- 
ful. He  was  uniformly  prayerful,  and  ready  to  every  good 
word  and  work,  ever  prepared  to  weep  with  those  who 
weep,  and  to  rejoice  with  those  who  rejoice  ;  to  instruct 
the  inquirer,  and  to  point  all  to  "  the  Lamb  of  God,  who 
taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world." 

To  his  closing  hour  he  retained  his  accustomed  vigor  of 
mind.  His  last  sermon  was  from  the  text  in  2  Cor.  xiii. 
11  :  "  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  perfect,  be  of  good 
comfort,  be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  o«. 
love  and  peace  shall  be  with  you." 

He  died  at  Paris,  Tennessee,  on  the  14th  day  of  Sep- 
tember, 1840.  His  last  words  were,  "  Lord  Jesus,  receive 
my  spirit,"  and  then  quietly  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

It  has  been  the  lot  of  but  few  men  to  serve  his  genera- 
tion more  acceptably,  or  usefully,  than  Elder  R.  T.  Daniel. 
The  bare  mention  of  his  nam3,   is  sufficient  to  excite  the 


304  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

liveliest  emotions  in  the  hearts  of  hundreds,  who  are  still 
living,  whose  happiness  it  was  to  enjoy  his  pulpit  minis- 
trations, and  fireside  conversations. 

WILLIAM    T.    BEAITLY,    D.    D.* 

Dr.  Brant] y  was  born  in  January,  1787,  in  Chatham 
county,  in  the  state  of  North  Carolina.  Being  one  of  a 
numerous  family  of  children,  but  scantily  provided  with 
this  world's  goods,  he  was  deprived  of  the  benefits  of  libe- 
ral instruction  at  that  age  when  the  mind  is  most  docile, 
and  when  the  most  permanent  impressions  are  produced. 
This  deficiency  was  in  part  compensated  by  the  tuition  of 
his  mother  ;  a  lady,  who,  though  of  very  imperfect  edu- 
cation, was  remarkable  for  her  piety  and  decision  of  char- 
acter. Under  her  care,  he  conceived,  at  the  tenderest  age, 
an  unusual  fondness  for  reading ;  and  though  compelled  to 
daily  labor  upon  a  farm,  many  a  volume  was  digested,  and 
much  valuable  information  acquired,  in  those  moments 
when  he  was  relieved  from  more  urgent  avocations. 

When  he  had  completed  his  fourteenth  year,  it  pleased 
God  to  make  him  a  new  creature.  He  was  brought  to  a 
knowledge  of  the  truth  during  a  very  powerful  and  exten- 
sive revival  of  religion,  which  was  enjoyed  for  several 
years,  in  the  states  south  and  west  of  Virginia,  about  the 
commencement  of  the  present  century.  The  peculiar  char- 
acteristics of  his  mental  exercises,  in  conversion,  were  pun- 
gent convictions  of  his  sinfulness  and  danger.  Before 
finding  peace  in  Christ,  he  was  the  subject  of  most  distress 
ing  apprehensions  of  the  wrath  of  God.  Pardon  for  such 
a  sinner  as  he  was,   he  thought  impossible  ;  his  perdition 

*  For  this  interesting  Biographical  Sketch  af  Dr.  Brantly,  we  are 
indebted  to  Elder  William  Brantly,  son  of  Dr.  Brantly. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  '  305 

seemed  inevitable.  His  faith,  at  first,  very  feebly  appre- 
hended the  Saviour  ;  and,  if  he  rejoiced  at  all,  it  was  with 
great  trembling.  It  was  during  his  baptism,  as  he  has 
]&ei\  heard  to  say,  that  every  doubt  was  dispelled,  and  that 
he  was  favored  with  a  most  luminous  manifestation  of  the 
divine  presence.  He  came  up  out  of  the  water,  and  went 
on  his  way  rejoicing.  The  mental  agony  which  he  suffer- 
ed in  the  period  just  referred  to.  seems  to  have  been  per- 
mitted as  one  qualification  for  the  important  Avork  to  which 
he  was  subsequently  called.  It  prepared  him  to  appreci- 
ate the  distress  of  souls  burdened  with  sin.  In  his  inter- 
course with  such  persons,  we  have  never  known  one  more 
sympathizing  and  tender.  When  he  saw  the  anguish  of 
the  convicted  sinner,  it  seemed  to  revive  afresh  the  recol- 
lection of  his  own  sorrows.  With  many  tears  of  sympa- 
thy, we  have  seen  him  pointing  hundreds  of  distressed 
ones  to  the  Saviour,  who  had  delivered  his  "  feet  from  fall- 
ing and  his  soul  from  death." 

After  his  conversion,  Dr.  Brantly  seemed  to  have  no 
other  thought  or  desire  but  that  of  devoting  his  life  to 
the  service  of  God.  A  profession  of  religion  had  hardly 
been  made,  before,  with  a  zeal  which  some  might  deem  in- 
discreet, but  which,  in  him,  was  irrepressible,  he  com- 
menced, publicly  and  privately,  wherever  a  hearing  could 
be  secured,  exhorting  sinners  to  repentance.  At  this  period , 
in  the  exuberance  of  his  youthful  zeal,  when  excited  by 
the  presence  of  a  congregation,  he  would  become  so  anxious 
to  do  good,  that  he  has  been  frequently  known  to  rise,  after 
the  regular  services  were  concluded,  and  ask  permission  to 
exhort  the  people  farther.  This  he  did  in  the  most  affect- 
ing manner.  More  than  one  sinner  has  dated  his  convic- 
tions to  the  appeals  made  by  "  that  boy  who  spoke  after 
the  minister  had  done." 

14* 


306  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

Shortly  after  professing  Christ,  a  wealthy  friend,*  im- 
pressed with  his  talents,  tendered,  him  such  assistance  as 
might  be  requisite  for  him  to  prosecute  his  studies  to  the 
extent  of  preparation  for  college.  The  proposition  wa* 
cheerfully  accepted,  and  he  became  at  once  a  very  diligent 
student  ;  not  unmindful,  at  the  same  time,  of  the  work 
which  he  had  proposed  as  the  great  business  of  life.  In 
a  few  years  he  entered  South  Carolina  College.  At  this 
time,  the  institution  Avas  enjoying  the  presidential  labors  of 
Jonathan  Maxey,  whose  valuable  remains  have  recently 
been  published,  and  who  had  previously  been  the  distinguish- 
ed president  of  Brown  University  and  of  Union  College. 
Betwixt  the  pupil  and  the  preceptor,  an  intimacy,  far  strong- 
er than  is  ordinarily  found  between  those  sustaining  such 
a  relationship,  soon  grew  up.  The  scholar  was  an  enthu- 
siastic admirer  of  the  talents,  learning  and  piety  of  the 
president.  The  latter,  looking  upon  the  student  as  a  com- 
panion and  friend,  received  him  into  a  familiar  intercourse 
which  lasted  through  life.  Dr.  Brantly  frequently  revert- 
ed to  the  instructions  and  conversation  of  Maxcy,  as  hav- 
ing been  of  inexpressible  value  to  him. 

Though  compelled,  while  in  college,  to  sustain  himself 
mainly  by  his  own  exertions,  Dr.  Brantly  took  high 
rank  as  a  scholar,  and  graduated  with  distinction  in 
1808. 

It  wras  his  design,  upon  graduation,  to  enter  upon  a  field 
where  he  might  devote  his  .undivided  energies  to  the  min- 
istry. But,  at  this  period,  there  were  probably  not  half 
a  dozen  churches  in  all  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  which 
sustained  a  regular  ministry.     To  secure  a  support,  there- 

*  William  Warden,  a  Siotchman,  that  resided  in  Pittsborongh,  Chatham 
county  X.  C.    He  was  not  a  member  of  the  chuich. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  307 

fore,  he  took  the  rectorship  of  the  Richmond  Academy,  in 
Augusta,  Ga. ,  an  institution  well  endowed  by  the  State. 
Here  he  remained  for  about  two  years,  teaching  during  the 
week,  and  preaching  every  Sabbath  to  some  of  the  desti- 
tute congregations  in  the  city  and  vicinity.  While  residing 
in  this  place  he  was  married  to  the  sister  of  Governor 
McDonald.  In  the  choice  of  his  companion  he  was  sin- 
gularly fortunate.  She  was  a  help-meet  indeed.  A  com- 
petent judge,  who  was  well  acquainted  with  her,  has  said 
that  she  was  a  lady  of  such  "talents,  piety,  and  accom- 
plishments, as  are  rarely  combined  in  one  person."  To  her 
efficient  and  affectionate  tutorship,  the  writer  has  frequentlv 
heard  the  husband  ascribe  much  of  that  success,  which, 
under  God,  he  was  subsequently  enabled  to  achieve,  as  a 
scholar  and  as  a  minister. 

In  1811,   Dr.  Brantly  was  invited  to  the  pastorship  of 
the   Baptist   church,    in  Beaufort,   S.   C,  now  under  the 
care  of  Dr.    Fuller.      In  their  call  they  said  to  him,  "  If 
you  will  come  and   minister  to   us   in   spirituals,   we  will 
minister  to  you  in  temporals."     This  was  the  amount  of 
salary  tendered.       Deeming  it   sufficient,  and   anxious   to 
give  his  time  entirely  to  the  ministry  of  the  word,   he  re- 
signed his  situation  in  Augusta,   and  removed  to  Beaufort. 
Here  he  remained  for  eight  years,    constantly  growing  in 
usefulness,  and  in    the    affectionate  regard  of  his  people. 
Sinners    were    converted,    saints   were    edified,    and   thus 
Christ's  kingdom  was  built  up  through  his  instrumentality. 
In  addition  to  his  pastoral  labors  in  this  place,  he  was  also 
president  of  the  Beaufort  College  for  several  years      While 
in  this  vocation,  he  numbered  among  his  pupils  the  distin- 
guished author  of  the  sermon  before  us,  and  the  JRev.  Dr. 
Manly,  his  predecessor  in  Charleston.     The  latter  gentle- 
man, addressing  his  beloved  preceptor  and  friend,  during 


308  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

his  last  illness,  says  to  him  :  "  To  you,  more  than  to  any 
other  man,  I  owe,  under  God,  whatever  lam,  or  have 
done  in  the  world." 

During  his  residence  in  Beaufort,  he  was  a  frequent  con- 
tributor to  the  American  Baptist  Magazine,  then  published 
in  Boston.  His  earliest  published  effusions  are  found  in 
this  work.  The  surviving  readers  of  the  periodical  at  the 
time  referred  to,  no  doubt,  well  remember  the  interest 
excited  by  the  communications  of  "  Theophilus."  An 
eminent  divine,  speaking  of  these  ai'ticles  since  the  death 
of  their  author,  remarks,  that  "  they  were  read  and  re-read, 
and  laid  up  among  the  selectest  treasures  of  memory.  It 
will  remain  for  the  day  that  shall  reveal  hidden  things,  to 
show  what  multitudes  of  young  persons  in  the  United 
States  received  the  tone  of  their  intellectual  and  Christian 
character  from  these  inspiring  productions." 

After  he  had  been  settled  for  some  time  in  Beaufort,  it 
was  thought  that  the  preaching  of  Dr.  Brantly  had  too 
much  of  the  intellectual,  and  not  enough  of  the  spiritual, 
too  much  of  the  philosophy  of  Christianity,  and  not 
enough  of  the  marrow  of  the  gospel.  Though  character- 
ized by  much  power  and  originality,  it  was  not  thought 
to  possess  that  unction  and  tenderness  for  which  it  was 
afterward  so  remarkable.  The  zeal  and  [ardor  of  the 
young  exhorter  had  sobered  off  into  the  precise  logician. 
He  needed  something  to  make  him  more  effective  in 
reaching  the  heart.  This  he  received  as  the  fruit  of  an 
affliction,  w7hich  overwhelmed  him  with  unutterable  sorrow 
It  was  the  death  of  his  pious  companion,  which  occurred 
in  1818. 

In  1819,  the  trustees  of  the  academy  in  Augusta  invited 
Dr.  Brantly  to  resume  the  rectorship.  Augusta  having 
increased  considerably  in  size,  and  promising  to  become 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  309 

one  of  the  most  important  towns  of  the  state,  he  acceded 
to  their  request  to  return  there,  in  the  hope  that  he  might 
also  be  able  to  establish  a  Baptist  interest  in  that  grow- 
ing community.  Upon  his  removal  to  Augusta,  scarcely 
half  a  dozen  Baptists  could  be  found  in  the  whole  city. 
The  few,  however,  were  collected,  and  he  preached  to 
them,  in  the  chapel  of  the  academy,  on  every  Lord's  day. 
The  congregation  increased  rapidly,  and  in  the  course  of 
a  few  years,  he  was  permitted  to  see,  mainly  through 
his  efforts,  a  substantial  house  of  worship,  which  had  cost 
122,000,  and-  a  flourishing  church,  where  the  Baptist 
name  had  recently  been  comparatively  unknown.  For 
seven  years  he  ministered  to  this  flock  "  without  money 
and  without  price,"  depending  upon  his  daily  labor  for 
support. 

At  the  dedication  of  the  church,  just  referred  to,  he 
preached  and  published  a  discourse  on  the  "  Beauty  and 
Stability  of  Gospel  Institutions."  It  may  be  interesting 
to  repeat  the  opinion  expressed  of  this  earliest  effort  of 
Dr.  Brantly,  by  a  judicious  critic.  Speaking  of  this  ser- 
mon, the  American  Baptist  Magazine,  for  March,  1822,  a 
copy  of  which  is  now  before  us,  says  : 

"  This  sermon  is  evidently  the  production  of  a  man  of  learning 
and  genius.  It  is  everywhere  forcibly,  and  in  many  places,  eloquently 
written.  Although  the  subject  is  trite,  yet  the  author  displays,  in 
the  discussion  of  it,  a  vigor  and  originality  of  mind,  which  cannot 
fail  to  interest  and  instruct. 

"  We  have  seldom  seen  the  progress  of  Christianity  more  elo- 
quently sketched,  than  in  the  following  paragraph  : 

"  '  In  forming  a  scheme  for  the  conversion  of  mankind,  what 
mind  could  ever  have  devised  one  so  improbable  as  the  cross  of 
Christ  ?  To  human  wisdom,  it  would  have  appeared  an  idle  frenzy 
to  think  of  reducing  a  rebellious  people  to  allegiance,  by  the  unmix- 
ed scandal  of  an  ignominious  crucifixion.  Of  all  improbable  plans, 
this  might  have  seemed  the  most  unpromising.     Yet,  behold  what 


810  A    HISTORT    OF    THE 

"wonders  are  accomplished  by  the  unvarnished  majesty  of  this  sim- 
ple fact.  Without  any  of  the  aids  of  learning,  of  authority,  or  of 
eloquence  ;  with  none  of  the  ingenious  sophistries  of  the  schools  ; 
without  any  elaborate  discussions,  or  studied  appeals  to  the  passions, 
we  see  humble,  unassuming  men,  carrying  in  triumph  a  religion  ob- 
noxious to  the  repulsive  spirit  of  pride  and  ambition.  They  had 
the  approving  tokens  of  divine  regard.  Their  gospel  became  the 
power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God  to  them  that  believed  ;  and 
their  work,  which,  in  itself,  would  have  been  the  derision  of  every 
idler,  when  confirmed  by  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  supplied  to  thou- 
sands the  elements  of  a  new  life  ;  struck  terror  into  the  opposing 
ranks  of  sin  ;  subverted  the  rites  which  antiquity  had  consecrated, 
and  organized  communities  for  the  worship  of  one  God  and  one  Me- 
diator. Nor  has  their  case  been  one  of  uncommon  occurrence.  The 
effects  of  that  preaching,  in  which  Christ  crucified  is  the  leading 
theme,  are  still  stupendous.  It  contains  the  power  of  a  mysterious 
attraction.  The  solemn  echo  from  groaning  Calvary  is  the  eloquence 
which  persuades  men.  Here  shines  the  true  morality  ;  here  virtue 
is  improved  into  devotion ;  here  the  soul  catches  the  fire  of  a  holy 
inspiration,  and  rises  to  assert  its  kindred  with  the  spirits  of  the 
just.'" 

While  a  resident  of  G-eorgia,  Dr.  Brantly  exerted  an 
excellent  influence  upon  the  denomination  throughout  the 
State.  He  was  active  in  organizing  the  Baptist  Conven- 
tion of  the  State ;  was  zealous  in  advocating  the  cause  of 
missions  and  of  ministerial  education ;  and  in  every  good 
work  he  was  the  efficient  coadjutor  of  the  Mercers  and 
Armstrongs  of  the  times.  At  the  distance  of  a  quarter 
of  a  century,  the  salutary  impression  of  his  labors  is 
distinctly  felt  and  gratefully  acknowledged  by  large  num- 
bers. 

In  1824,  the  pastorship  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in 
Philadelphia  became  vacant,  by  the  death  of  the  much 
lamented  Henry  Holcombe.  We  have  understood  that, 
in  his  last  moments,  Dr.  Holcombe  warmly  recommended 
Dr.  Brantly  as  one  under  whose  ministrations  he  would  be 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  311 

happy  to  leave  the  church.  In  accordance  with  this  sug- 
gestion, Dr.  Brantly  was  invited  to  visit  them.  The  re- 
sult of  this  visit  was  a  unanimous  call  to  be  their  pastor, 
A  large  sphere  of  usefulness,  as  he  deemed  it,  being 
thus  presented,  he  removed  to  Philadelphia,  in  the  spring 
of  1826.  That  success  which  had  crowned  his  labors  at 
the  South,  attended  them  at  the  North.  He  soon  became 
known  as  one  of  the  most  eloquent  preachers  in  the  city. 
Under  his  ministry  the  congregation  increased  ;  there  was 
a  number  of  powerful  revivals,  and  many  who  are  now 
known  as  among  the  most  efficient  and  liberal  members  of 
the  denomination,  were  brought  into  the  church. 

In  1827,  the  publication,  entitled  "  The  Columbian 
Star,"  which,  we  believe,  had  previously  been  the  property 
of  the  Baptist  Triennial  Convention,  was  removed  to 
Philadelphia,  and  the  editorial  department  was  confided 
to  his  care.  How  this  trust  was  discharged  is  well  known, 
since  several  thousand  copies  of  the  paper  were  circulated 
in  different  parts  of  the  Union.  He  continued  to  edit 
this  paper  for  about  eight  years.  In  its  columns,  during 
this  period,  may  be  found,  we  think,  some  of  his  ablest 
writings.  Valuable  articles  on  church  discipline,  impor- 
tant points  of  Christian  doctrine  and  practice,  and  essays 
on  a  great  variety  of  subjects  everywhere  abound.  Could 
they  be  collected  and  published,  they  would  make  a  very 
useful,  and,  we  doubt  not,  acceptable  volume. 

During  his  residence  in  Philadelphia,  Dr.  Brantly  pub- 
lished a  volume  of  sermons,  being  principally  those  which 
had  been  delivered  to  his  people,  in  the  regular  course  of 
pastoral  labor.  The  interest  with  which  this  volume  was 
received  is  evinced  by  the  fact  that  the  whole  edition  was 
soon  disposed  of,  and  followed  by  still  further  demands. 
Though  lucid  and  forcible  discourses,   we   do   not  think, 


312  A  HISTORY    OF    THE 

as  a  whole,  that  they  sustained  the  expectation  which  his 
oral  performances  had  created.  They  were  prepared  for 
the  press  with  much  haste,  at  the  urgent  solicitation  of 
his  people.  Others  of  his  sermons,  which  were  taken 
down  by  a  stenographer,  as  he  delivered  them,  extempore, 
and  subsequently  published,  just  as  they  were  preached, 
we  think  decidedly  better  illustrations  of  his  preaching 
power,  than  many  of  the  discourses  in  this  volume. 

During  his  residence  in  this  city,  the  degree  of  D.  D. 
was  conferred  upon  him  by  Brown  University.  We  pre- 
sume that  it  was  bestowed  through  the  influence  of  the 
president  of  that  institution,  of  whose  talents  he  was  a 
sincere  admirer. 

After  having  been  settled  in  Philadelphia  for  nearly 
twelve  years,  Dr.  Brantly's  health  began  to  fail.  Appre- 
hensive lest  the  severity  of  a  Northern  climate  might  en- 
tirely prostrate  his  already  shattered  constitution,  at  the 
same  time,  what  he  believed  to  be  a  promising  field  open- 
ing in  Charleston,  he  resigned  the  charge  of  the  church  in 
Philadelphia,  and  entered  upon  that  of  the  First  Baptist 
church  in  the  former  city.  For  two  or  three  years  after 
his  removal  to  Charleston,  he  did  not  enjoy  that  success 
which  had  attended  his  labors  in  all  other  places.  Several 
members  of  the  church,  to  whom  he  had  particularly  look- 
ed for  countenance  and  aid,  taking  exception  to  some  of 
his  views  and  practices,  declined  cordial  co-operation  with 
their  pastor.  The  consequences  were,  that  he  was  for  a 
time  thrown  into  much  discouragement  and  distress.  In 
such  a  state  of  things  there  were  but  few  conversions  and 
many  dissensions.  The  malcontents  were  finally  dismiss- 
ed to  form  a  new  church.  Soon  after  their  withdrawal,  a 
better  state  of  things  began  to  appear.  The  church  and 
congregation  then    became  warmly  united,  and   ardently 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  313 

attached  to  their  spiritual  guide.  Their  affection  was  re- 
eiprocated  by  the  most  indefatigable  labors  for  their  welfare. 
He  had  the  happiness  of  rejoicing  with  many  new-born 
souls,  and  with  burying  them  with  Christ  in  baptism.  At 
the  time  that  an  inscrutable  Providence  smote  him,  with 
fatal  disease,  the  church  was  enjoying  a  deep  and  exten- 
sive work  of  grace. 

Dr.  Brantly's  labors,  after  his  return  to  the  South,  were 
too  arduous.  Shortly  after  his  removal  to  Charleston,  he 
was  elected  president  of  the  College  of  Charleston.  Be- 
lieving that  he  could  perform  the  duties  ef  both  offices, 
and  thus  extend  his  usefulness,  he  accepted  the  appoint- 
ment. Under  his  administration,  the  college  was  more 
prosperous  than  at  any  former  period  of  its  history.  The 
number  of  students  largely  increased,  and  the  institution 
constantly  grew  in  popularity.  In  the  meantime,  unre- 
mitting labor  had  seriously  undermined  his  constitution. 
While  about  to  hear  the  recitation  of  the  senior  class,  on 
the  13th  of  July,  1844,  he  was  attacked  with  a  paralysis, 
which  after  keeping  him  for  some  months  in  the  most 
affecting  prostration  and  helplessness,  terminated  fatally. 

The  malady  which  prostrated  his  body,  also  afflicted 
him  with  mental  imbecility.  Although  there  were  lucid 
intervals  during  his  illness,  in  which  he  signified  to  his 
friends,  as  well  as  he  was  able,  that  he  was  perfectly  aware 
of  his  situation,  and  fully  resigned  to  the  divine  will,  yet 
his  intellect  was  evidently  sympathizing  with  his  body. 
Though  his  prostration  was  sudden,  it  was  not  altogether 
unexpected.  For  two  years  prior  to  his  death,  he  sup- 
posed himself  to  be  affected  with  a  disease  of  the  heart, 
which,  although  it  did  not  disqualify  him  for  his  public 
duties,  might  terminate  fatally  at  any  moment.  On  one 
occasion,  he  remarked  to  a  friend  :  "  I  have  had  death  con- 


314  A  HISTORY    OF   THE 

stanfly  befoi'e  me,  for  the  last  two  years.  I  have  been 
looking  for  it  every  day."  Writing  to  a  member  of  his 
family,  a  tew  weeks  before  his  attack,  he  said:  "Were  I 
to  be  seized  with  a  paralysis  of  the  arm  or  leg,  I  should  at 
once  become  an  object  of  wretchedness  and  pity."  At 
another  time  he  said  :  "  I  shall  break  off  suddenly  ;  and  I 
think  I  had  rather  die  in  the  harness." 

It  is  evident  from  these  expressions,  that  Providence 
afforded  him  a  presentiment  of  what  awaited  him.  The 
summons  did  not  reach  him  unprepared.  It  found  him 
with  his  armor  on,  doing  with  his  might  what  his  hands 
found  to  do  in  his  Master's  service.  He  had  "  oil  in  his 
vessel ;"  and  with  his  lamp  trimmed  and  burning,  he 
promptly  and  cheerfully  responded  to  the  cry,  "  G-o  ye  out 
to  meet  him."  He  departed  this  life  in  Augusta,  G-a.,  in 
March.  1845,  in  the  city  which  had  been  the  scene  of  his 
early  labors,  and  among  the  attached  friends  of  his  youth- 
ful years. 

It  has  been  justly  said  of  Dr.  Brantly,  that  his  life 
was  an  uninterrupted  scene  of  arduous  labor.  In  addi- 
tion to  his  ministerial  labors,  which  were  always  abun- 
dant, he  was  constantly  engaged  in  the  instruction  of  youth. 
To  him  idleness  was  insupportably  irksome.  He  had  a 
love  for  labor.  For  several  years,  while  residing  in 
Philadelphia,  besides  being  the  pastor  of  one  of  the  largest 
churches  in  that  city,  he  taught  a  school,  edited  a  re- 
ligious newspaper,  rendered  much  service  to  the  Baptist 
Tract  Society,  of  whose  board  he  was  the  president,  in 
the  selection  of  tracts,  and  when  the  agent  of  that  so- 
ciety, the  beloved  Davis,  died,  he  discharged  his  duties 
for  six  months,  in  order  that  his  destitute  family  might 
have  the  benefit  of  the  salary  for  this  period.  His  dis- 
tinguished friend,  the  present  president  of  the  Alabama 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  315 

University,  speaking  of  him,  says:  "He  was  always 
busy,  and  yet  never  confused  or  behind-hand  ;  and  he  ever 
found  time  for  all  the  innumerable  and,  nameless  demands 
which  were  made  upon  him,  whenever  God  and  his  fellow- 
men  were  to  be  served.  The  principle  of  his  success  amid 
herculean  labors  was,  first,  that  he  attended  to  one  thing 
at  a  time,  never  suffering  interruption  ;  and  secondly,  he 
devoted  his  whole  energy,  in  the  most  concentrated  and 
absorbing  attention,  to  whatever  was  before  him.  His 
mind,  by  use,  became  like  a  prism  catching  the  combined 
radiance  of  an  intricate  subject,  and  distributing  it  into 
its  elements  almost  in  an  instant." 

His  love  for  teaching  amounted  almost  to  a  passion. 
He  delighted  in  that  which  many  look  upon  as  a  drudgery. 
As  might  be  expected,  he  was  eminently  successful  in  im- 
parting knowledge.  Many  who  now  occupy  important 
positions  in  the  pulpit,  in  our  national  councils,  and  at 
the  bar,  received  much  of  their  intellectual  training  from 
him.  Wherever  he  met  with  an  indigent  youth  of 
promise,  desiring  instruction  at  his  hands,  he  took  him 
under  his  care  without  charge.  He  instructed  gratuitously 
not  a  few,  who  are  now  useful  servants  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

As  an  intellectual  man,  Dr.  Fuller  says  of  him,  "  He 
had  not  many  superiors  in  this  country."  His  mind  was 
remarkable  for  its  grand  and  comprehensive  views.  He 
seemed  to  grasp  a  subject  in  all  its  bearings  ;  and,  re- 
solving it  into  its  elements,  could  hold  it  up  in  a  very 
perspicuous  light  to  others.  His  avocation  as  a  teacher 
kept  his  naturally  vigorous  mind  in  healthy  exercise.  He 
delighted  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  classics,  and  was  con 
stantly  in  the  habit  of  reading  them.  His  exquisite  taste 
readily  detected  their  beauties;  and  no  one  could  be  long 
in  his  company  without  perceiving  that  his  lips  were 

"  wet  with  Castalian  dews." 


316  «         A   HISTORY    OF   THE 

In  almost  every  department  of  learning  he  had  attained 
respectable  proficiency.  It  was,  however,  in  the  languages 
and  in  the  metaphysics  that  he  excelled.  He  was  one  of 
the  most  critical  linguists  and  profound  metaphysicians 
which  this  country  has  ever  produced.  The  already  too 
protracted  length  of  this  article  will  not  permit  us  to 
record  evidences  of  his  excellence  as  a  scholar,  which 
might  be  interesting  and  instructive. 

It  may  be  said,  however,  that  preaching  was  the  forte 
of  Dr.  Brantly.  This  was  ever  his  delightful  employment. 
His  noble  person  and  fine  voice  conferred  upon  him  great 
natural  advantages  as  an  orator.  He  never  appeared  so 
well  as  when  proclaiming  the  gospel  to  perishing  sinners. 
It  was  impossible  for  any  one  to  hear  him,  without  being 
convinced  that  he  was  thoroughly  in  earnest.  He  seemed 
to  say,  "  I  believe,  therefore  I  speak."  Some  of  the  dis- 
courses which  he  preached  were  attended  with  extraordi- 
nary success.  From  twenty  to  thirty  persons  have  been 
known  to  ascribe  their  conviction  to  a  single  sermon.  * 

His  appeals  to  the  backslider  were  frequently  irresistible. 
He  would  assail  such  persons  with  the  most  melting  rhetoric 
to  which  we  have  ever  listened.  It  required  a  stout  heart, 
indeed,  to  withstand  the  tears  and  entreaties  with  which 
he  would  beseech  them  to  return  to  their  deserted  Lord. 

Although  the  crowds  that  attended  his  ministry  attest 
their  general  acceptance  of  his  labors,  and  the  fruits  of  his 
efforts  attest  his  usefulness,  yet  there  were  occasions  when 
he  was  not  equal  to  himself.  At  such  times  he  seemed 
to  preach  with  considerable  difficulty,  and  not  to  enter 
much  into  the  spirit  of  his  subject.  At  other  times,  he 
was  too  abstract  to  be  understood  by  plain  people.  His 
premises  and  deductions  were  not  readily  seen  and  appre- 
ciated.    But  if  he  was  not  always  forcible  and  eloquent, 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  317 

lie  was  always  sensible,  and  preached,  not  for  the  purpose 
of  saying  something,  but  because  he  had  something  to  say. 
His  inequalities  were  chiefly  owing  to  the  fact  that  he  was 
an  extempore  preacher.  His  numerous  labors  did  not 
allow  him  time  to  write  his  discourses ;  and  he  was  fre- 
quently constrained  to  depend  upon  very  imperfect  prep- 
aration. 

The  author  of  the  sketch  before  us  says,  that  "  Dr. 
Brantly  possessed  a  facility,  both  in  writing  and  speaking, 
such  as  I  never  knew  it  in  any  other  person ;  yet  so 
severely  had  he  trained  and  castigated  his  mind,  that  this 
did  not  hinder  him  from  attaining  great  excellence."  Fre- 
quently, when  we  have  supposed  him  to  be  wholly  un- 
prepared, he  would  come  out  upon  his  congregation  with 
discourses  possessing  all  the  beauty  and  force  of  studied 
compositions.  In  illustration  of  this  remark,  we  subjoin 
an  extract  from  a  sermon  preached  extempore,  and  sub- 
sequently WTritten  out,  as  nearly  as  could  be  recollected. 
It  is  an  appeal  to  the  unconverted  portion  of  the  con- 
gregation : 

"  Sinners,  it  is  precisely  thus  that  matters  stand  betwixt  you  and 
your  eternal  Judge.  Your  earth-born  hearts  will  not  relinquish 
their  attachments.  Yoiir  lovers  you  have,  and  after  them  you  will 
go.  That  God  who  takes  no.  pleasure  in  your  death,  is  the  witness 
and  opposer  of  your  desperation.  Not  much  longer  will  he  resist 
your  madness  ;  not  much  longer  will  he  endure  the  insulting  infi- 
delity of  your  hearts.  Of  one  thing,  however,  you  cannot  suppress 
the  conviction  :  every  step  you  take  in  your  journey  is  contrary  to 
the  will  of  God.  Understand  and  appreciate  this  truth  now,  and  do 
not  travel  all  the  way  to  hell,  to  find  it  out.  When  once  you  are 
locked  up  in  eternal  darkness,  are  consigned  to  the  imprisonment  of 
eternal  despair,  and  tortured  with  the  raging  fires  of  avenging 
justice,  you  will  feel,  when  too  late,  that  you  are  indebted  solely  to 
yourselves  for  the  sad  doom.  So  long  as  forms  of  horror  shall  haunt 
and  terrify  your  spirits,  and  fierce  passions  shall  prey  upon  them, 


318  A    HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  inexorable  despair  shall  hold  them  with  its  tyrant  grasp,  and 
tormenting  fiends,  nurtured  in  your  own  bosoms,  shall  exult  and 
raven  amid  the  weeping,  and  wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth,  in  the 
horrible  pit,  so  long  will  remain  fastened  upon  your  hearts  the  con- 
viction that  your  perdition  is  of  yourselves.  You  mean  to  remain 
unjust,  ungodly,  unreconciled  to  your  own  happiness  and  salvation' 
Yourselves,  then,  are  planting  the  fangs  of  the  viper  in  your  own 
bosom.  Show  some  mercy  to  yourselves,  and  desist  from  the  bad 
enterprise  of  self-immolation  to  the  prince  of  hell. 

"  Look  forward  a  little,  and  see  yourselves  in  eternity,  with  un- 
repented  sins.  Light  and  peace  have  disappeared  ;  time's  beguiling 
pleasures  and  recurring  enjoyments  have  ceased  for  ever ;  friend- 
ship's softening  sympathies,  and  society's  cheering  smile,  and  hu- 
manity's mitigating  touch,  have  all  vanished  from  the  dismal  scene; 
the  voice  of  mercy  has  ceased,  and  love's  redeeming  work  has  been 
completed.  You  are  then  sad  expectants  of  hopeless  wretchedness  ; 
abandoned  to  your  sins,  left  with  your  tormentors  within  you  ;  capa- 
ble of  misery,  and  incapable  of  comfort,  you  are  prepared  for  all  the 
complex  sufferings  of  a  ruined  soul.  The  hell  is  one  of  your  own 
seeking ;  the  bed  on  which  you  are  writhing,  but  not  reposing,  is 
made  by  your  own  hands.  All  hell  resounds  with  the  justice  of  God. 
All  heaven  proclaims  his  righteousness." 

Dr.  Brantly  had  the  faculty  of  securing  the  strongest 
attachment  of  those  for  whom  he  labored.  His  tender 
and  sympathizing  heart,  identifying  him  with  all  the 
vicissitudes  of  his  people,  weeping  with  those  that  wept, 
and  rejoicing  with  those  that  rejoiced,  won  their  con- 
fidence and  riveted  their  attention.  As  a  pastor,  it  has 
been  truly  said  of  him,  that  he  "  grew  steadily  in  the  ad- 
miration and  love  of  his  flock."  The  tears  and  tenacity 
with  which  his  beloved  people  in  Philadelphia  clung  to 
him,  when  he  announced  his  resignation,  evinced  that  they 
were  far  more  decided  and  earnest  in  their  unanimity  than 
when  they  had  called  him  twelve  years  before.  The  dis- 
tress of  the  church  and  congregation  in  Charleston,  when 
he  was  smitten  down,  evinced  the  continued  strength  and 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  319 

sincerity  of  their  affection,  after  an  acquaintance  of  seven 
years.  In  his  intercourse  with  his  people,  he  was  re- 
markable for  his  candor.  He  was  in  the  habit  of  speak- 
ing the  truth  in  love,  in  a  very  plain  way.  This  trait  of 
his  character  excited  the  indignation  of  some  who  did  not 
know  him.  They  took  him  to  be  uncharitable  and  over- 
bearing ;  but  when  they  understood  him,  their  attachment 
and  respect  were  increased. 

Amidst  his  various  engagements,  Dr.  Brantly  did  not 
neglect  the  keeping  of  the  heart.  He  walked  daily  with 
God.  Those  who  were  most  intimately  acquainted  with 
him,  know  that  his  piety  was  a  uniform  flame.  He  ever 
cherished  the  most  humbling  views  of  himself,  and  the 
most  exalted  views  of  Christ.  He  was  always  the  con- 
sistent Christian,  thoroughly  conscientious  in  everything 
which  he  undertook,  seeming  to  keep  ever  before  him  the 
day  of  final  account. 

It  may  be  thought  that  this  sketch  will  be  incomplete, 
if  we  are  silent  as  to  the  imperfections  of  him  of  whom  we 
have  been  speaking.  We  do  not  deny  that  there  were 
defects  in  his  character.  He  was  a  fallen  creature,  and 
therefore  sinful.  If  it  could  be  of  any  benefit,  we  might 
fill  many  pages  with  a  recital  of  his  frailties.  But  we 
think  that  the  good  which  grace  accomplished  through 
him  so  immeasurably  exceeded  any  evil  which  he  may 
have  done,  that  we  may  be  pardoned  for  dwelling  upon 
the  former  to  the  omission  of  the  latter.  In  addition  to 
this,  it  is  true, — and  with  these  words,  uttered  by  the  ever 
to  be  loved  and  lamented  man  wdiose  life  we  have  at- 
tempted to  sketch,  we  close, — that 

"  Death  applies  the  finishing  touch  to  the  character  of  a  good  man. 
This  may  be  regarded  as  a  reason  why  his  remembered  history  is 
clothed  with  a  peculiar  majesty  and  charm.     That  spirit  which  once 


820  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

delighted  us  with  the  communications  of  affection  and  wisdom,  now 
wears  the  vestments  of  perfection.  It  is  enrolled  among  the  spirits 
of  the  just  made  perfect.  Its  graces,  once  lovely  on  earth,  are  now 
resplendent  in  heaven.  Its  pensive  groans,  once  heaved  from  an 
aching  heart,  are  succeeded  by  the  softest  harmonies  of  heavenly 
music.  The  languor  and  the  sickness  have  fled  for  ever,  and  to  their 
place  have  succeeded  the  health  and  vigor  of  immortality.  The 
erring  judgment  has  acquired  those  attributes  of  truth  and  certainty, 
which  will  for  ever  preclude  future  mistake  and  deception.  It  is 
not  wonderful,  then,  that  our  associations  should  draw  down  from 
the  bright  empyreal,  whither  they  have  ascended,  a  portion  of  that 
perfection  with  which  good  men  are  now  arrayed,  in  their  supernal 
blessedness,  and  place  the  same  to  the  credit  of  their  earthly  his- 
tory." 

"  This  sun  has  set, 
Oh  when  shall  other  such  arise  ?" 

ELDER   WILLIAM   H.    MEEEITT 

"Was  born  the  19th  of  February,  a.  t>.  1779,  in  Chatham 
county.  North  Carolina.  He  professed  religion  in  1801  or 
'02,  at  the  Old  Fork  M.  H.  (now  Rock  Spring),  under  the 
ministry  of  Elder  George  Pope,  and  was  baptized  shortly 
afterward  by  Elder  Isaac  Hicks,  near  the  mouth  of  New- 
Hope.  The  church  of  which  he  became  a  member  was  at 
Prichard's  M.  H.  (now  Mount  Carmel).  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  gosjel  in  1824  ;  his  first  sermon  was  preached 
from  Ps.  cxix.  103,  at  Benjamin  Dodd's,  on  the  first  Sab 
bath  evening  in  November,  1824. 

Pie  was  strongly  impressed  that  it  was  bis  duty  to  preach 
for  a  long  time  before  he  commenced.  His  education  was 
limited  ;  he  was,  however,  well  read  in  the  Scriptures,  in 
Andrew  Fuller's  and  other  works,  and  was  no  doubt  the 
best  disciplinarian  that  ever  belonged  to  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association.  For  a  long  time  before  he  entered  the  min- 
istry, and  afterward,  he  was  seldom  without  a  New  Testa. 


SANDY   CHEEK   BAPTIST   ASSOCIATION.  821 

rnent  in  his  bosom,  and  frequently  slept  with  it  there  at 
night.  Few  men  have  loved  the  Bible  better,  and  studied 
it  more  closely  than  he.  He  was  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  by  Elders  James  Ferrell  and  Thomas  Free- 
man, on  the  12th  of  May,  1827. 

Elder  Merritt  was  raised  by  Pedobaptist  parents ;  his 
father,  Rev.  William  Merritt,  was  an  Episcopal  Method- 
ist. As  soon  as  Elder  Merritt  learned  to  read  the  New 
Testament  (at  school)  he  became  a  Baptist  in  sentiment. 
Upon  reading  that  book  it  was  evident  to  him  that  the 
Methodists  did  not  practise  according  to  its  teachings.  He 
could  recognize  nothing  for  baptism  but  immersion,  and 
could  discover  no  command,  or  example  for  infant  sprink- 
ling. He  then  had  no  knowledge  of  the  Baptists,  but  sup- 
posed that  somewhere  there  were  no  doubt  Christians  who 
followed  the  Bible ;  he  determined,  when  he  became  his 
own  man,  that  he  would  travel  until  he  found  them. 
"When  he  became  acquainted  with  the  Baptists  he  recog- 
nized them  as  the  true  followers  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
when  converted,  he  united  with  them. 

When  he  first  commenced  preaching,  his  ideas  sometimes 
became  eclipsed,  and  he  would  be  compelled  to  stop  in  the 
midst  of  his  sermon.  This  was  a  severe  trial  of  his  faith. 
He  was  very  much  discouraged  by  some  of  his  older 
brethren  in  the  ministry  ;  by  others  he  was  much  en- 
couraged ;  among  the  latter  were  Elders  B.  T.  Daniel  and 
John  Purefoy,  each  of  whom  were  emphatically  the  young 
preacher's  friend.  From  1830  to  1888  he  preached  a 
great  deal,  was  blessed  with  revivals,  and  baptized  quite  a 
number  of  persons,  built  up  several  churches,  and  sub- 
scribed liberally  for  meetingdiouses,  on  condition  that  they 
were  built  large  enough  and  of  good  materials.  At  Anti- 
och,  Kock  Spring,  Emmaus,   Bear  Creek,  Mineral  Spring, 

15 


322  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  McCloud's,  he  was  instrumental  in  doing  much  good. 
His  liberality  to  the  poor,  and  to  every  good  work,  is  well 
known.  He  was  a  strong  friend  of  all  those  institutions 
the  tendency  of  which  was  to  diffuse  knowledge,  and  ex- 
tend the  Redeemer's  kingdom  at  home  and  abroad.  He 
bequeathed  $1,000  to  build  a  Baptist  house  of  worship  in 
Chapel  Hill,  and  $2,000  to  Wake  Forest  College,  to  be 
appropriated  to  the  education  of  young  men  called  of  God 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

Few  men  have  suffered  for  so  long  a  time  as  severe 
affliction  as  Elder  Merritt.  For  a  number  of  years  before 
his  death,  from  pains  which  he  had  suffered,  he  was  unable 
to  walk  ;  he  still  continued  to  preach,  and  would  ride  to 
his  appointments  in  his  carriage,  and  then  be  placed  in  a 
chair,  and  his  servant,  assisted  by  a  brother  or  friend, 
would  take  him  into  the  pulpit,  where,  on  a  high  chair 
made  for  that  purpose,  and  which  he  carried  with  him,  he 
would  sit  and  preach. 

Elder  Merritt  was  possessed  of  indomitable  energy  and 
perseverance,  both  in  secular  and  religious  matters.  At 
the  time  of  his  death  he  had  been  confined  six  or  eight 
weeks  ;  during  a  part  of  this  time  he  was  in  doubts  and 
fears,  owing  mainly  to  the  diseased  condition  of  his  body. 
He  frequently  said,  during  his  last  sickness,  which  he  was 
sure  would  be  unto  death,  "  I  am  willing  to  die  when, 
where,  and  how  the  Lord  pleases."  A  few  days  before  his 
death  he  said  to  the  writer,  "I  know  that  Jesus  was  formed 
in  my  soul,  the  hope  of  eternal  glory,  about  fifty  years  ago." 

He  died  on  the  third  day  of  July,  1850,  being  in  the 
seventy-second  year  of  his  age.  His  funeral  sermon,  at 
his  request,  was  preached  by  Elder  John  Purefoy,  from 
1  Thess.  iv.  13,  14. 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  323 

ELDER   ELI    PHILLIPS. 

Eli  Phillips,  son  of  Mark  and  llunina  Phillips,  was  born 
daring  the  year  17 — .  When  but  six  years  of  age,  he 
became  seriously  impressed  with  the  salvation  of  his  soul, 
by  the  religious  instructions  of  his  pious  mother.  He  pro- 
fessed conversion  while  young,  and  joined  the  church  at 
Friendship,  where  his  parents  were  members,  about  three 
years  afterward.  He  often  spoke  of  these  three  years  as 
lost,  and  regretted  that  he  did  not  join  the  church  imme- 
diately after  his  conversion.  Soon  after  his  baptism  he 
was  appointed  a  deacon,  which  office  he  held  until  he 
entered  the  ministry.  His  education  was  limited.  He 
was  kind  and  urbane  in  his  manners. 

In  1824  and  '25,  the  Friendship  church  conducted  a 
flourishing  Sabbath  school,  of  which  Brother  Phillips  was 
chosen  superintendent.  He  opened  and  closed  the  school 
by  prayer,  and  often  lectured  and  exhorted  the  children. 
The  church  soon  discovered  that  he  had  the  gift  of  teach- 
ing, and  licensed  him  to  preach  the  gospel.  He  was 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  Elders  A.  Lilley 
and  H.  Harman,  in  1826  or  '27.  Soon  after  this  he  be- 
came pastor  of  the  Friendship  church,  which  office  he  held 
until  his  death.  During  his  ministry  he  served  as  pastor 
the  following  churches  :  Friendship,  Mechanic's  Hill,  Fall 
Creek,  Brush  Creek,  Bear  Creek,  May's  Chapel,  Sharon, 
Cross-Roads,  Laurel  Hill,  and  Abbott's  Creek.  He  per- 
formed a  great  deal  of  itinerant  service,  and  was  one  of  the 
first  missionaries  sent  out  by  the  Baptist  State  Convention 
of  North  Carolina.  His  labors  were  abundantly  blessed  ; 
many  were  converted  under  his  ministry ;  hundreds  were 
baptized  by  him.  Since  his  death,  many  have,  in  relating 
their  experience  before  the  church,  dated  their  conviction 
to  his  preaching. 


324  A    HISTORY  OF    THE 

On  liis  return  home  from  a  missionary  tour  in  the  moun- 
tains of  North  Carolina,  he  attended  a  camp-meeting  at 
Lick  Creek,  in  Davidson  county.  On  Sunday  he  preached 
from  the  parable,  "The  Harvest  of  the  World."  Fifteen 
persons,  in  relating  their  experience  before  the  church, 
dated  their  conviction  to  this  sermon ! 

He  was  for  many  years  Moderator  of  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association,  and  was  generally  elected  to  preach  on  the 
Sabbath. 

As  a  husband,  he  was  kind  and  affectionate  ;  as  a  father, 
he  united  kindness  and  affection  with  good  discipline,  and 
was  dearly  beloved  by  his  children.  He  raised  a  large 
family  of  children,  the  most  of  whom  have  followed  their 
father's  example,  and  embraced  the  Saviour  while  young, 
and  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church.  Pie  endured 
heavy  family  bereavements.  His  youngest  son  died  in 
youth,  rejoicing  in  Christ  his  Savior;  his  second  daughter, 
a  most  lovely  Christian,  died  while  he  was  from  home, 
engaged  in  preaching.  Being  sent  for,  he  rode  all  night 
to  get  home  in  time  to  see  her  buried.  A  little  son  and 
daughter  died  on  the  same  night,  within  a  few  minutes  of 
each  other. 

Elder  Phillips  was  an  advocate  of  and  warm  friend  to 
missions,  education,  and  to  every  other  effort  that  tended 
to  promote  the  cause  of  godliness.  As  pastor,  he  was 
always  beloved  by  his  churches,  which  generally  were  in  a 
prosperous  condition. 

Eider  Phillips  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  in  the  fall  of  1848, 
after  a  protracted  sickness  of  some  weeks,  which  he  bore 
with  becoming  Christian  fortitude  and  resignation,  often 
expressing  a  willingness  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  He 
was  buried  in  the  burying-ground  at  Friendship  M.  H. 
As  a  token  of  his  worth,  and  the  esteem  they  had  for  him, 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  825 

the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Association  erected  a  marble  slab 
at  liis  grave.  His  beloved  companion,  who  was  to  him  all 
that  a  minister's  wife  should  be,  soon  followed  him  to  the 
home  of  eternal  repose.  May  their  posterity  be  precious 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord.  May  it  be  his  good  pleasure  to 
give  them  abundant  admittance  into  his  everlasting  rest. 

Note. — This  Biographical  Sketch  of  Brother  Phillips  was  furnished  by- 
Elder  N.  Eichardson. 

ELDER   HEZEKIAII   HARMAN 

Was  born  January  lGth,  a.  d.  17G3.  His  father  was 
named  Zachariah  Harman,  who  resided  near  Pittsborough, 
in  Chatham  county,  and  was  Sheriff  of  the  county  for  a 
number  of  years.  His  mother's  name,  previous  to  her 
marriage,  Avas  Rebecca  Petty.  Hezekiah  Harman  was  a 
soldier  in  the  revolutionary  war  before  he  was  of  age,  and 
fought  in  the  battle  at  Cane  Creek.  lie  embraced  religion 
in  1798,  but  did  not  unite  with  the  church  until  the  great 
revival  in  1802.  He  was  baptized  by  George  Pope  and 
Isaac  Hicks,  and  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
in  the  New  Hope  Mountain  Church,  by  Elders  Jesse  Buck- 
ner  and  Isaac  Hicks,  in  1809. 

Elder  Harman  was  a  man  of  good  intellect,  with  but 
little  education  ;  he  was,  however,  well  read  in  the  Scrip- 
tures. His  preaching  was  in  the  old-fashioned  style,  and 
was  mainly  experimental,  typical,  and  spiritualizing.  Few 
ministers  in  his  day  were  more  ingenious  than  Elder  IT. 
in  what  is  termed  spiritualizing  a  text  of  Scripture. 

Elder  IT.  also  preached  frecpiently  about  the  "  Types 
and  Shadows"  of  the  Old  Testament.  He  was  pastor  of 
a  good  many  churches,  and  baptized  a  great  many  persons. 
He  was  a  man  of  piety  and  usefulness. 


32 S  A    HISTORY    OF    THE 

In  1824,  Elder  H.,  who  favored  missions,  while  pastor 
of  Bear  Creek  Church,  and  acting  as  its  moderator,  ap- 
pointed P.  P.  Smith  and  others,  to  attend  at  Sandy  Creek 
Church,  for  the  purpose  of  consulting  about  the  missionary 
cause.  Elder  II.  was  somewhat  eccentric,  or  rather  pecu- 
liar in  his  manners.  When  on  his  way  to  his  appoint- 
ments, and  young  men  would  hurry  by  him,  he  would 
sometimes  say  to  them,  "Young  men,  you  need  not  ride 
so  fast,  there  will  be  no  dancing  until  the  fiddler  arrives." 
When  some  of  his  audience  seemed  to  be  asleep,  and 
others  outside  of  the  house  were  heard  talking,  he  has  been 
known  to  say,  "  Those  gentlemen  out  of  doors,  will  please 
not  talk  so  loud,  or  they  will  wake  up  those  that  are  asleep 
in  the  house." 

Elder  Harman  died  on  the  29th  of  March,  1832,  from 
home,  while  attending  his  monthly  meeting  at  Bear  Creek 
church.  He  was  taken  sick  at  meeting  on  Sunday,  and 
went  home  with  George  Henry,  and  died  at  William  Hack- 
ney's on  the  following  Friday,  being  sixty-nine  years  of 
age. 

ELDER    JOHN    CULPEPEK. 

Elder  Culpeper  was  born  in  Anson  county,  N.  C,  in 
A.  T>.  1764.  His  father's  name  was  Samson  Culpeper, 
a  man  of  moderate  means.  John,  his  son,  was -in  school 
only  three  months.  After  his  marriage  and  the  birth  of 
four  of  his  children,  he  spent  four  months  in  reading  Latin. 
This  was  all  the  schooling  that  he  ever  received.  When 
young  John  was  about  twenty  years  of  age,  his  father 
moved  to  Georgia.  Here  John  soon  became  acquainted 
with  Elder  Silas  Mercer.  Under  his  ministry  he  embraced 
religion,  and  was  soon  afterward  baptized  by  him.  He 
soon  began  to  preach  with-  an  earnestness  and  success  that 


SANDY    GREEK    LArTIST    ASSOCIATION.  327 

have  seldom  been  exceeded.  He  soon  returned  to  N.  C. 
and  preached  in  the  churches  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Associa- 
tion, which  then  reached  to  Pee  Dee  river.  Extensive 
revivals  accompanied  his  preaching  wherever  he  went.  He 
continued  these  labors  with  undiminished  zeal  and  effect 
for  several  years.  In  the  meantime,  his  popularity  be- 
came so  great,  that  his  misguided  friends  urged  him  to  be- 
come a  candidate  for  Congress,  as  the  only  means  of  pre- 
venting the  re-election  of  the  then  incumbent,  who  was 
particularly  distasteful  to  the  voters  in  that  part  of  the 
district.  To  this  course  he  unhappily  yielded  ;  and  most 
of  his  after-life  was  spent  in  politics.  In  Congress  he  ob- 
tained a  distinguished  reputation  for  consistency,  firmness, 
and  disinterested  devotion  to  the  interest   of  his  country. 

During  this  time  he  continued  to  preach  the  true  doc- 
trines of  the  gospel,  but  it  was  with  greatly  diminished 
zeal  and  success.  About  ten  or  twelve  years  before  his 
death,  he  retired  from  political  life,  and  devoted  himself 
to  the  ministry  with  considerable  zeal  and  some  success 
but  far  short  of  his  earlier  labors. 

For  several  years  he  was  agent  for  the  Baptist  State 
Convention  of  N.  C.  He  was  a  man  of  great  energy 
of  character,  his  motto  was  "  wear  out,  but  never  rust 
out." 

Previous  to  the  division  of  the  Sandy  Creek  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation, Elder  Culpeper  was,  for  a  number  of  years,  one 
of  the  most  efficient  ministers  of  the  association.  After- 
ward, he  was  a  leading  minister  in  the  Pee  Dee  Associa- 
tion. 

In  the  7Gth  year  of  his  age,  in  the  strong  exercise  of  an 
unwavering  faith,  at  the  house  of  his  son,  Elder  John  Cul- 
peper, jr.,  in  Darlington  District,  S.  C,  Elder  Culpeper 
died  ;   and  was  buried  in  the  grave-yard  at  Society  Hill. 


328  A   HISTORY    OF    THE 

At  the  head  of  his  grave  may  be  seen  a  plain  but  nice 
marble  slab,  with  a  suitable  inscription.  His  son,  John 
Culpeper,  is  now  laboring  in  the  ministry,  in  South  Caro- 
lina, with  zeal  and  efficiency. 

ELDER    RALPH    FREEMAX. 

Elder  Ralph  Avas  a  colored  man,  and  at  first  a  slave 
belonging  to  a  man  in  Anson  county,  N.  C.  Soon  after 
making  a  profession  of  religion  and  being  baptized,  it  was 
discovered  that  he  had  impressions  to  preach  ;  he  was 
licensed  by  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member.  His 
owner  proposed  to  sell  him,  and  the  brethren  bought  and 
gave  to  him  his  freedom.  Soon  after  this,  he  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  travelled  and  preached  a 
great  deal  in  the  counties  of  Anson,  Montgomery,  Moore, 
Randolph,  and  Davidson.  He  became  a  good  reader,  and 
was  well  read  in  the  Scriptures.  He  was  considered  an 
able  preacher,  was  frequently  called  upon  to  preach  on 
funeral  occasions,  was  appointed  to  preach  on  Sabbath  at 
the  association,  and  frequently  administered  the  ordinance 
of  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  He  was  of  common 
size,  was  perfectly  black,  with  a  smiling  countenance, 
especially  in  the  pulpit  while  speaking.  He  was  very 
humble  in  his  appearance  at  all  times,  and  especially  when 
conducting  religious  services.  Great  personal  respect  was 
always  shown  him  by  the  brethren  whom  he  visited  in  his 
preaching  excursions.  Elder  Joseph  Magee,  a  Baptist 
minister,  became  his  warm  friend,  and  travelled  and  preached 
with  him.  Such  Avas  their  attachment  for  each  other,  that 
they  agreed  that  the  surviving  one  should  preach  the 
funeral  of  the  one  that  died  first.  Elder  Magee  moved  to 
the    West,   and   died   first.     Upon  his  deathbed,   he  be- 


SANDY    CREEK    BAPTIST    ASSOCIATION.  329 

queathed  to  Ralph  his  riding  horse,  overcoat,  Bible,  and 
fifty  dollars  in  cash,  and  requested  his  family  to  send  for 
Ralph  to  come  and  preach  at  his  funeral.  In  company  with 
a  white  brother,  Ealpli  went  to  the  West  and  preached 
the  funeral  sermon  from  a  text  the  deceased  had  selected. 
The  brother  that  went  with  Ealph  stated  to  Elder  N. 
Richardson  that  he  never  before  saw  so  large  a  congrega- 
tion. At  the  conclusion  of  the  sermon,  Elder  Magee's 
brother  stated  to  the  congregation  what  provision  his  de- 
ceased brother  had  made  for  Ralph,  and  added,  if  any  of 
you  would  like  to  give  him  any  amount,  it  would  be  thank- 
fully received ;  the  congregation  soon  made  up  fifty  dol- 
lars, which  was  given  to  him.  While  this  contribution 
was  being  made,  a  Methodist  came  op  and  handed  to  Ralph 
one  dollar.  A  Presbyterian,  who  observed  it,  said  to  him, 
"  You  ought  not  to  give  Ralph  anything."  "  Why  not  1" 
said  the  Methodist.  "Because,"  said  the  Presbyterian, 
''  he  has  torn  your  system  all  to  pieces."  The  Methodist 
replied,  "  I  believe  he  has  preached  the  truth,  and  I  will 
give  him  the  dollar." 

Ealph  was  able  in  illustrating  and  unfolding  the  doc- 
trines of  grace.  Elder  N.  Richardson  (to  whom  we  are 
indebted  for  this  biographical  sketch),  has  baptized  a  num- 
ber of  persons  who  dated  their  convictions  to  the  preach- 
ing of  Ealph. 

When  the  anti-mission  party  was  formed,  Ave  have  been 
told  that  Ealph  became  an  anti  -missionary. 

When  the  legislature  passed  the  law  prohibiting  colored 
men  from  preaching,  Ralph  was  greatly  mortified,  and  had 
the  sympathy  of  many  brethren.  Ralph  was,  no  doubt,  a 
truly  pious  and  humble  Christian,  he  had  the  confidence 
and  esteem  of  thousands,  and  died  in  the  full  assurance  o 
a  blessed  immortality. 

16 


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The  Life  and  Writings  of  Rev.  A.  Broaddus,  .        1   co 

Campbellism  examined.      121110.,  .  .  1   co 

The  Mirror.     i6mo.,  .....  60 

Rev.  J.  D.  Fulton. 

The  Roman  Catholic  Element.      1 2mo.,        .  1   co 

John  Clarke  Marshman. 

Life  and  Times  of  Carey  Marshman  Sc  Ward,       .        5   00 

Edward  B.  Underhill. 

Struggles  and  Triumphs  of  Religious  Libert}-,         .  75 

Rev.  Francis  Mason. 

Memoir  of  Mrs.  Helen  M.  Mason.      121110,,  .  60 

William  Dean,  D.D. 

The  China  Mission,      izmo.,       .  .  .  .        1    00 


Rev.  Louis  L.  Noble. 

Life  and  Works  of  Thomas  Cole,      umo.,  .  .        1   2<J 

The  Lady  Angeline  and  other  Poems,      izmo.,       .  75 

Rev.  Sidney  Dyer. 

Songs  and  Ballads  for  the  Household,      umo.,       .  75 

Mrs.  Mary  A.  Denison. 

Grade  x^mber,  a  Novel.      1 2mo.,  .  .  .        1    25 

Harriet  E.  Bishop. 

Floral  Home;  or,  First  Years  of  Minnesota,  .        1    00 

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Mrs.  A.  Lincoln  Phelps. 

Ida  Norman.     Illustrated.      i2mo.,       .  .  .        t    25 

David  Millard. 

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Rev.  William  Arthur. 

Origin  and  Derivation  of  Family  Names,      .  1    25 


Date  Due 


m  1 9 

DECl   7 

JUN  2  9 

JAN  1    R 

JUL  13 

FEB  1  2 

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MAR  1    5 

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JUL  ^  7 

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JULOi 

JUN   14 

OF c  rr  "95 

FEB  15 

IN  53  -^ 

AUG    12 

jAJ|G    0    0 

14 

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DFP  ^ «  top* 

AF  R 

-  195 

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Demco  293-5 


Duke  University  Libraries 


D00551944S 


